The total duration of an MRI scan can range from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on several factors.
Factors Affecting MRI Scan Length
Several factors influence how long an MRI scan will take:
- Area Being Scanned: The size of the body part being imaged greatly affects the scan duration. Scanning a small area like a wrist takes less time than scanning a larger area like the abdomen.
- Number of Images Needed: More complex scans or those requiring multiple image sets will naturally take longer.
- Type of Scan: Different types of MRI scans have varying requirements which impacts scan times.
- Number of Scans: A single scan may only take a few seconds to 3-8 minutes; but, when combined with other images and positioning, the total scan time increases. You may also be asked to hold your breath during short scans.
Typical MRI Scan Times
The typical MRI scan consists of multiple shorter scans. These shorter scans each last between a few seconds and 3 to 8 minutes. The total scan time, which includes patient positioning and other procedural steps, ranges from 15 to 90 minutes.
| Activity | Typical Time Range |
|---|---|
| Single scan | a few seconds to 3-8 minutes |
| Total MRI Scan Time | 15 to 90 minutes |
It is important to note these are typical time frames, and your specific experience might be slightly different.
