Preparing for Your MRI

• Do not eat or drink for four hours prior to the MRI exam.
• If you must take oral medication, use minimal water.

If your MRI will involve anesthesia and you have any questions about the procedure or would like to review unusual medical problems, please call 401-444-5657 and ask to speak to an anesthesiologist.

Fasting guidelines:

• No solids, milk products or pulpy juices after midnight
• Prescribed medications should be continued on the morning of the MRI

Additional information about anesthesia for adult MRI patients  

Fasting guidelines:

• No solids, milk products or pulpy juices after midnight.
• Small amounts of clear fluids (apple juice, ginger ale, water) are permitted up to 2 hours prior to the scan.
• Prescribed medications should be continued on the morning of the MRI.

Additional information about anesthesia for pediatric MRI patients

For any implants or devices that are not removable, please bring any information given to you by the physician, such as the name of device, model number, settings (if there are any) and date of insertion.

If you have any concerns about an implant or internal device, please call us:

• Miriam Hospital: 401-793-4448
• Rhode Island Hospital: 401-444-4881
• Newport Hospital: 401-845-1357

Before your exam, please be sure to:

• Purchase a Fleet enema
• Follow a LOW fiber diet for 3 days prior to MRI
• Not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to exam
• Administer the enema at home 2 hours prior to the exam

Please follow these instructions before your appointment:

• No Viagra, Cialis, or any ED-related medications for 48 hours prior to your appointment.
• Do not use any caffeine or decaf products within 24 hours. This includes caffeine found in foods (e.g., chocolate/cocoa), beverages (including decaf), and over-the-counter medications (e.g., Excedrin).
• Do not smoke within 24 hours.
• Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before your appointment.

• If you wear glasses or corrective lenses for vision, please wear them to the appointment.
• We will need a copy of your current eye prescription on the day of the appointment. Please contact your eye doctor for this information. A pair of MRI-safe glasses will be made and provided to you for this exam.