Getting an MRI can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re anxious about enclosed spaces or just want moral support. The good news is that most MRI centers welcome the idea of having a companion with you, though there are some important rules to know about.
The Short Answer
We not only allow you to bring a support person, but we actively encourage it. Our priority is making you feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible during your scan.
Depending on the type of machine you’re getting your MRI on, you may be able to bring someone to sit right next to you. We’ve found this buddy system makes a huge difference for people who feel claustrophobic or anxious during scans.
We allow anything that can make you feel comfortable during your MRI experience. Your comfort directly impacts the quality of your scan, so we’re happy to accommodate reasonable requests that help put you at ease.
Who Can Come With You?
Your companion can be practically anyone you trust – a family member, close friend, spouse, or caregiver. However, in some cases — such as young children or patients who need extra support — a companion may be allowed inside the scan room. The facility typically doesn’t restrict who can be your support person, as long as they’re willing to follow safety protocols.
Some facilities have specific policies for patients with disabilities. A Support Person may be a family member, personal care assistant, companion, similar disability service provider, or other individual who is needed to help the patient process relevant medical information or make healthcare-related decisions.
Safety Rules Your Companion Must Follow
MRI machines use incredibly powerful magnets, which means strict safety rules apply to everyone entering the scanning area. Your companion will need to go through the same metal screening process that you do.
If you accompany someone into the MRI scan room, you must follow the same safety rules as the patient. This means removing all jewelry, watches, belts with metal buckles, phones, keys, credit cards, and any other metal objects.
They also had to remove all jewelry and metal from their clothing and body. Even small items like hairpins, underwire bras, or clothing with metal threads can be problematic around MRI equipment.
What Your Support Person Will Experience
Your companion will typically need to fill out the same safety screening forms you complete. These forms ask about metal implants, pacemakers, surgical clips, and other medical devices that could be dangerous around magnetic fields.
Once cleared, they can usually sit in a chair next to the MRI machine during your scan. They will be able to sit by your side during your Open MRI scan. This can provide tremendous comfort, especially during longer scans that might take 30-60 minutes.
Your support person will also need to wear ear protection, just like you, since MRI machines produce very loud noises during the scanning process.
When Companions Might Not Be Allowed
Some situations might prevent your companion from entering the scan room. If they have metal implants, pacemakers, or other medical devices that aren’t MRI-safe, they’ll need to wait in the lobby area.
You may not bring emotional support animals, companion animals or pets. Service animals have different rules, but pets aren’t permitted in MRI areas due to safety concerns.
People with certain medical conditions or those who are pregnant might be advised to wait outside the scanning area, even if they don’t have metal implants.
Different Rules for Different Areas
After being screened, loved ones accompanying patients are permitted to come along to help with the screening and dressing process, so long as they are accompanied by MR personnel.
Your companion can typically stay with you in the preparation areas where you change clothes and get ready for the scan. They might also be allowed in the control room where they can watch the scan through a window and communicate with you through an intercom system.
Planning Your Visit
Some questions to ask when scheduling:
- Can my companion come into the scan room with me?
- What screening process will they need to complete?
- Should they arrive at a specific time?
- Are there any age restrictions for companions?
Let us know when scheduling if you have special needs or concerns about the scan. We can often provide additional accommodations or suggestions to make your experience more comfortable.
Open MRI vs Traditional MRI
The type of MRI machine can affect whether companions are allowed in the scan room. Open MRI machines, which are less enclosed than traditional tunnel-style machines, often have more space for a companion to sit nearby.
We recommend that you bring a close friend or family member into the scanning room with you. Some facilities specifically encourage this for open MRI scans.
Traditional closed MRI machines might have less space, but many facilities still accommodate companions by positioning them where they can maintain eye contact and provide reassurance.
Making You Comfortable Is Our Priority
Beyond bringing a companion, we want you to know that we’re flexible about other comfort measures, too.
Some patients bring their own music playlists, special pillows, or comfort items. We can often accommodate these requests as long as they don’t contain metal or interfere with the scanning process.
If you have specific needs or concerns, don’t hesitate to discuss them when scheduling your appointment. We’d rather know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly and make your experience as pleasant as possible.
Benefits of Having Support
Having someone with you can significantly reduce anxiety and help you feel more relaxed during the scan. This relaxation actually improves image quality, since staying still is crucial for clear MRI pictures.
Your companion can also help you remember post-scan instructions, transportation arrangements, or questions you wanted to ask the technologist. This support becomes especially valuable if you receive contrast material that might make you feel temporarily unwell.
We allow anything that can make you feel comfortable because we know that a relaxed patient leads to better scan results and a more positive healthcare experience overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my spouse come into the MRI room with me?
Yes, spouses are typically welcome as companions during MRI scans, provided they pass the same metal screening and safety checks that you do. They’ll need to remove all jewelry, metal objects, and fill out screening forms.
What if my companion has a pacemaker?
People with pacemakers, metal implants, or other medical devices that aren’t MRI-safe cannot enter the scanning area. They can still come with you to the appointment and wait in the lobby or family areas.
Can my teenage child be my support person?
Most facilities allow teenage companions, though some have minimum age requirements (often 16 or 18). Check with your specific imaging center about their age policies for companions in the scan room.
Will my companion need to change clothes?
Your companion typically doesn’t need to change into a hospital gown, but they must remove all metal objects including jewelry, belts, shoes with metal, and clothing with metallic threads or decorations.
Can I bring more than one person with me?
Space limitations usually restrict companions to one person in the scan room. Additional family members or friends can come to the appointment but will typically need to wait in the lobby area.
What if I’m claustrophobic and really need someone with me?
Most MRI centers are very accommodating for patients with claustrophobia. Mention your concerns when scheduling, and they’ll usually make special arrangements to have your companion present during the scan.
Can my companion talk to me during the scan?
Communication during the scan is usually limited since you’ll both be wearing ear protection and the machine is very loud. However, your companion can often communicate through hand signals or the intercom system with technologist assistance.
Do I need to pay extra for bringing a companion?
No, there’s typically no additional charge for having a support person with you during your MRI scan. This is considered part of standard patient care and comfort.
What if my companion becomes uncomfortable during the scan?
If your companion feels uncomfortable, claustrophobic, or unwell during the scan, they can leave the room at any time. The technologist monitors everyone in the scan room and can pause the procedure if needed.
Can my companion use their phone in the MRI area?
No, phones and all electronic devices must be left in lockers or with front desk staff before entering MRI zones. The magnetic field can damage electronic devices and they can interfere with the scanning process.
What should my companion wear to the appointment?
Companions should wear comfortable clothing without metal components – no underwire bras, metal snaps, belts with metal buckles, or shoes with metal. Athletic wear or loose-fitting clothes work well.
Can my companion help me if I need to use contrast dye?
Yes, your companion can provide emotional support if you need contrast injection. However, they cannot assist with medical procedures – only trained medical staff can handle contrast administration and monitoring.
What to Expect on Scan Day
Arrive early to allow time for both you and your companion to complete screening forms and safety checks. The staff will explain the procedure to both of you and answer any questions.
Your companion will typically wait while you change into a hospital gown, then join you for the scanning portion of the appointment. After the scan, they can help you get dressed and be there for any immediate results discussion.