Preparing for imaging techniques

Wear comfortable clothes

You may be able to wear your own clothes rather than a hospital gown during the scan. To prepare for this, wear loose, preferably cotton clothes that you feel comfortable in and are easy to take off and put back on if needed.

Make sure that your clothes do not have any metal zips, buttons, buckles, or hooks, as all metal objects need to be removed during the scan.

Leave your valuables at home

You will need to remove all jewellery and leave any other items in another room when having the scan, so take only the essentials with you. Or, if you have a friend or family member with you, ask them to take care of them for you.

Take a pillow with you

You may be allowed to take a small pad or pillow into the scanner with you to help you lie still more comfortably during the scan. Check with your healthcare team in advance to see if these are already provided.

Pack a snack

Depending on the type of scan you are having you might be asked to refrain from eating, drinking, or both, for a few hours before the scan is scheduled. Check with your healthcare team if you are not sure.

Take something to eat or drink for after the scan if you think you’ll be particularly hungry or thirsty, as you will be able to eat and drink as normal straight afterwards.

Ask if you need help

Let the healthcare team know in advance if you will need an interpreter to help understand what is happening during your appointment.

Also, if you are particularly worried or are having a MRI and have a fear of small spaces (a condition known as claustrophobia), tell your healthcare team. You may be prescribed an oral medication to help you relax.

Ask for the same radiologist to perform the scan

It may not be possible, but it might make you feel more comfortable if you ask to see the same radiologist to perform repeat scans.

You might also want to book the same taxi driver or ask the same family member or friend to accompany you to your appointments.