Most first-time MRI patients in Guwahati arrive nervous and full of small questions. This guide answers the practical ones, so you walk into your scan calm and prepared.
A few days before the scan
Read the prescription carefully. Note the body part, whether contrast is involved, and any specific instructions from your doctor. If contrast is mentioned, get a serum creatinine or kidney function test done in advance, especially if you are over 60 or have diabetes. Most labs in Guwahati can give you the report the same day.
What to eat and drink
For a plain MRI, eat normally. For a contrast MRI, fast for 4 hours before the scan. For an Abdomen MRI or MRCP, fast for 4 to 6 hours and avoid water for 2 hours before the scan to reduce gut movement. For all other scans, drink water normally.
What to wear
Wear loose, comfortable clothes without metal zippers, buttons, or hooks. Cotton T-shirts and pyjama pants work well. Avoid bras with metal underwires. Many centres in Guwahati provide a gown if your clothes have metal.
What to remove
Remove all jewellery including chains, earrings, nose pins, and bangles. Remove watches, hair pins, hearing aids, dentures, and removable medical devices. If you wear contact lenses, the centre may ask you to remove them.
Medical history to disclose
Tell the technician about: pacemaker or cardiac implants, cochlear implants, surgical clips or staples in the brain, artificial heart valves, drug delivery pumps, neurostimulators, metal in the eye from previous injury, shrapnel or bullet fragments, and any metal in the body from past surgery. Also mention pregnancy, claustrophobia, recent contrast reaction, and known kidney problems.
What to bring
- The doctor's prescription
- A valid photo ID (Aadhaar, driver's licence, or PAN)
- Your insurance card if you are using cashless billing
- Previous scan reports and CDs of any related imaging
- Recent kidney function test if contrast is planned
- A friend or family member to drive you home if you are anxious
Reaching the centre on time
Plan to reach the centre 20 to 30 minutes before your scan time. Account for Guwahati traffic, which can be especially heavy on GS Road between 9 and 11 in the morning, and around Six Mile in the evening. If you live in Maligaon and your scan is in Six Mile, leave well in advance.
During the scan
You will be given earplugs and helped onto the scanner table. The technician will explain how long the scan will take and where the panic button is. Lie still and breathe normally. The machine makes loud knocking sounds, which is normal. If you feel anxious at any point, press the button and the technician will pause.
After the scan
You can resume normal activities immediately, including driving. If you received contrast, drink plenty of water to help your kidneys flush it out. Most centres in Guwahati upload the report to your dashboard within 24 hours. If you have not received it in 48 hours, call the centre or the support team.
If you are claustrophobic
Tell the centre when booking. Several centres in Guwahati now have wide-bore 1.5T or 3T machines that feel less enclosing. Some offer mild sedation under medical supervision. Bringing earplugs of your own and a familiar piece of music to listen to before the scan also helps. If you cannot tolerate the closed scanner at all, ask about open MRI options.