What Should You Wear for an MRI or CT Scan?

If you are scheduled for either an MRI or a CT scan shortly, you may want to know how to prepare for and what to wear for the scan. While not inherently a painful test to take, suitable clothes preparation makes it much easier and doesn't cause any hold-ups.

Because MRI and CT require different technologies used in the generation of the image, they have different requirements. During an MRI, a powerful magnet and radio waves are used to produce detailed pictures of the body, and during a CT scan, X-rays are used to produce cross-sectional images. Knowing the type of clothes required for each type of scan may assist you in being properly dressed and at ease for your visit. At Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy, our team provides clear instructions before every imaging procedure to help patients feel informed and at ease.

General Clothing Guidelines for Imaging Tests

When it comes to taking MRI or CT scans, comfort is key. Wear loose, comfortable clothes that you are comfortable lying in for the duration of the test. Choose simple clothing, limited layering, and heavy use of accessories. When asked to wear a hospital gown, an easy-to-remove type might be helpful. Avoid clothing that restricts or irritates motion or makes lying on the clothes uncomfortable for a long time.

What to Wear for an MRI?

Due to the powerful magnets that MRI equipment employs, the use of any item with a metal inclusion is restricted, as they may not go in the machine. Wear clothes that are made of cotton or other soft fabrics that are not zipped, buttoned, hooked, underwired, metallic-threaded, or embellished with any metallic decoration. Usually, sweatpants, leggings (can't be metal), plain T-shirts, and simple cotton tops are appropriate. If you don't know, look for labels on any athletic wear manufacturers as they incorporate hidden metallic fibers or fasteners. Depending on what part of the body is being examined and the clothing you are wearing, you may have to change into a hospital gown.

What Not to Wear for an MRI?

Any metallic item can affect the overall quality of the images and can even pose a security threat during the MRI examination. Avoid jewelry or earrings, a watch, a belt with a metal buckle, hairpins, hearing aids, eyeglasses, coins, keys, or clothes that have zippers or metal snaps. Underwire bras should not be worn by women as the wire pieces can be picked up during the scan. Other articles (like piercings, removable dental work) and items that can be worn (like a watch) should also be removed from the head prior to entering the MRI room.

Special Considerations for MRI

Let your health care provider know if you have any medical devices in your body, like pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, or metal. Not all implants can be used with MRI, or occasionally, additional measures must be taken. The imaging team should be told before the appointment if you have claustrophobia or anxiety about working in a confined space. They can provide recommendations to make you more at ease during the examination.

What to Wear for a CT Scan?

Unlike MRI, the use of magnetic fields, a CT scan usually requires very little wrapping of clothes. Snug or tight-fit clothing is still suggested. In some regions of the body, you may be able to stay in your own clothes during the examination. Metal zippers, buttons, or underwires in your clothes, however, may occasionally impact images, especially in the vicinity of the section being studied. Sometimes, patients may be required to wear gowns for imaging.

What If Contrast Material Is Required?

In some cases, an MRI or CT scan might need to have a dye applied so that the image is easier to see. If you are having a scan with contrast, you may need to make some changes in your appointments (blood tests, fasting, extra fluid, etc.) or may need to change medication the day before. Use clothes that have sleeves for easy insertion of an IV. Inform healthcare providers about any type of allergic reactions, kidney problems, or illnesses in your past.

Additional Tips for Your Appointment

Check in a bit early to do any required paperwork and discuss what they are doing to prepare for the procedure. Try to avoid leaving unnecessary items and valuables at home. This can help reduce preparation time and minimize the risk of losing personal items. Please contact the imaging center ahead of your appointment if you're not sure of what to wear. Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy provides you with guidelines depending on the type of imaging procedure you are undergoing. By following the directions of your healthcare provider, you can help ensure a safe, comfortable, and efficient experience.

Conclusion

The right type of clothes for an MRI scan and/or a CT scan can make it easier for the appointment and better ensure the accuracy of the images. No metal-containing clothes/accessories are permitted for MRI exams because of the powerful magnetic field. Usually, comfortable clothes with little metal are recommended for CT scans. If it's not clear, it's better to have pieces that are either simple or loose. We believe that clear guidance, state-of-the-art diagnostics and imaging capabilities, and compassionate care help patients feel confident and well-prepared for any procedure they undergo at Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy.