For a breast MRI, you will typically wear a hospital gown or your own clothes that are free of any metal, such as sweatpants and a t-shirt.
During a breast MRI, it's crucial to avoid wearing anything that contains metal, as metal can interfere with the magnetic field and create distortions in the images. These distortions can make it difficult for radiologists to accurately interpret the scan.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Hospital Gown: This is the most common and safest option, as hospitals ensure their gowns are metal-free.
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Your Own Clothes (If Permitted): If you prefer to wear your own clothes, choose items that are definitely metal-free. This includes:
- Tops: T-shirts without metal snaps, zippers, or metallic threads.
- Bottoms: Sweatpants or leggings without metal zippers, snaps, or drawstrings.
- Underwear: Avoid bras with underwires or metal closures. A soft, wire-free bra or going braless is ideal.
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Items to Avoid:
- Bras with underwires or metal closures.
- Clothing with zippers, snaps, hooks, or metallic threads.
- Jewelry (necklaces, earrings, rings, bracelets, watches).
- Body piercings (if possible to remove).
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Why Metal is a Problem: The strong magnetic field of the MRI scanner can attract metallic objects, causing them to move or heat up. This can be dangerous and can also significantly degrade the image quality.
During the procedure, you will lie on your stomach on a specialized table with openings for your breasts. This allows the breasts to hang freely and be imaged properly. The table will then slide into the MRI machine, which is a large, tunnel-like tube.
If you have any concerns or questions about what to wear, it's always best to contact the imaging center or your doctor beforehand. They can provide specific instructions based on their protocols and the type of MRI being performed.
