The radiologist should also know if you have any serious health problems and what surgeries you have undergone. Some conditions, such as kidney disease and sickle cell may prevent you from having an MRI with contrast material.

The radiologist or technologist may ask if you have allergies of any kind such as hay fever, hives, allergic asthma, or to food or drugs. However, the contrast material used for an MRI exam, called gadolinium, does not contain iodine and is less likely to cause an allergic reaction.

If you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or anxiety, you may want to ask your physician for a prescription for a mild sedative you will take before your procedure.

Some metal implants and electronic devices are not safe in the MRI room.  You should tell the technologist if you have medical or electronic devices in your body, because they may interfere with the exam or potentially pose a risk.

You will be alone in the exam room during the MR imaging, however, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times using a two-way intercom