Can you eat before an MRI scan?

The simple answer is that you can often eat before your MRI scan. With that said, eating and drinking rules depend on the exact MRI examination, so check the instructions from the team doing your scan before changing what you eat or drink.

Why The Answer Changes From Scan to Scan

An MRI is a way to make images of the various parts of your body, rather than a single preparation protocol. This means that scans may need preparation based on the body part in some cases and no preparation in other cases.

The NHS says the hospital will tell you if your scan needs special preparation. Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says most people can eat and drink as normal for standard MRIs, while Liverpool University Hospitals asks patients having specific scans such as an MRI of the gallbladder and liver not to eat for six hours beforehand.

Scans of the abdomen sometimes need an empty stomach because food and movement in the gut can blur the images. Those examples show why advice for someone else's MRI will be very different to the advice given for yours.

Can You Eat Before an MRI With Contrast?

MRI scans with contrast involve injecting a special dye, typically gadolinium, into your veins. This dye helps to enhance the images and gives doctors a clearer view of tissues, organs, and blood vessels. Some people may have nausea or vomiting as a side effect.

Contrast alone does not mean you must fast, however. Some MRI examinations use an injection to make particular tissues easier to see, but the need for food restrictions depends on the examination and the local protocol. The Newcastle Hospital NHS Trusts' advice mentioned above says most patients can eat and drink normally when doing an MRI scan. UCLH says some scans need a period without food or drink, including those details in the appointment letter. For certain scans, you may even be asked to drink water beforehand, according to the NHS. Always follow the instructions for your booked examination, whether it uses contrast or not.

What About Water and Medicines?

Water intake is another thing that may apply to your examination. If your appointment letter does not make the food and drink rules clear, ask the imaging team before the appointment rather than guessing.

The same applies to chronic medicines. The NHS asks patients to tell the scanning team about relevant health conditions, including kidney problems and allergies to contrast medium. UCLH's general MRI information says patients can usually take medicines as normal, but your own scan team should be asked directly about the chronic medication you take for any condition.

If you have diabetes and have been asked not to eat, contact the scanning team before your appointment. University Hospitals of Leicester advises patients with diabetes to speak to their diabetes care provider about fasting instructions and to ask for a morning appointment. If you wear a glucose monitor, Leeds Teaching Hospitals notes that most manufacturers advise removing it before an MRI, so bring a replacement sensor.

What if You Have Already Eaten?

If your appointment instructions told you to avoid food and you have eaten, contact the scanning team and tell them what happened. They can decide whether the planned examination can go ahead or needs to change.

Getting the Right Instructions for a GetScanned MRI

You do not need to bring a GP referral to ask GetScanned about a private MRI. A GetScanned doctor reviews your history and whether an MRI of that part of the body is the right test for your symptoms. GetScanned then arranges the scan and shares the report and images with you, and your GetScanned GP talks you through the results. Preparation is specific to the scan that is booked, so use the instructions sent for your appointment and ask the team if anything is unclear. You can explore the private MRI scan service here.

Conclusion

While you can eat and drink before your MRI, it is always important to follow your healthcare team’s advice. Instructions on specific scans may vary, and advice will always be given according to your specific circumstances. It’s also always worth noting that your comfort is another factor that determines whether you should fast or not. Having an MRI can be stressful for many, and if you are prone to nausea, claustrophobia or anything else that makes you feel unwell, having an empty stomach might make you feel more comfortable for the duration of your scan.

To book your private MRI, the GetScanned platform makes it easy to find clinics in your area that have technicians and doctors experienced in helping patients get advice on preparing for scans, whether fasting for MRI or eating and drinking as usual.

FAQ

Can I drink alcohol the night before the scan?

No, do not drink alcohol the night before. This can cause sedation and nausea, and potential interact with contrast or cause other issues.

What should I eat and drink after the scan?

After the scan, hydrating is essential to help remove the contrast dye from your body. Drink water rather than sugary caffeinated drinks.

What if I forgot to ask ahead of time?

If you forgot to ask your provider in advance, and it’s the day before the scan, contact your team as soon as possible and avoid food and water until you speak to them directly.

Sources

NHS, MRI scan: the hospital gives preparation instructions and screens for kidney problems and contrast allergies.
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, MRI appointments: most patients can eat and drink normally; the appointment letter states exceptions and the page explains contrast use.
University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Having an MRI scan: some examinations require food or drink restrictions set out in the appointment letter; medicines and safety screening are covered.
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, MRI gallbladder and liver: an example of fasting instructions for an abdominal MRI.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, MRI of the small bowel: advice for patients with diabetes on fasting instructions.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Having an MRI scan: glucose monitor advice.

Liverpool University Hospitals: eating and drink before a scan.