{"id":8610,"date":"2024-08-09T11:33:26","date_gmt":"2024-08-09T15:33:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pockethealthqa.wpengine.com\/?p=8610"},"modified":"2025-10-20T09:25:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T13:25:05","slug":"how-long-does-mri-take","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/patient-resources\/how-long-does-mri-take\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Does an MRI Take: The Average Time for Each Body Part"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your doctor has scheduled you for an MRI, you may have questions about the upcoming scan. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/2024\/07\/25\/mri-preparation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Magnetic resonance imaging<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a valuable technique for capturing detailed views of tissues and organs in your body using magnetic fields and radio waves. In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss approximately how long each type of MRI takes, so you know what to expect. We\u2019ll also cover factors that may lengthen or shorten your scan.\u00a0 \u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>What is the typical duration of an MRI scan?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The duration of your MRI will vary depending on the area of your body being scanned and your medical history. If you have a more complex health condition, the scan may take longer to capture detailed images. Generally, these scans can last anywhere from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on various factors that will be discussed later in this guide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MRIs require a referral from your doctor, and scheduling may take time if the facility is fully booked. Results can take up to a week or more to reach your provider and you will discuss them at your next medical appointment. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PocketHealth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gives you secure access to the finalized report and images as soon as they are available. This allows you to review them before your appointment and prepare any questions for your provider.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<div class=\"cta-banner\">\n\t<div class=\"cta-text\">\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tEarly access to your MRI images and reports\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-search\">\n\t\t<div class=\"request-search-bar request-search-bar--type-general\"><request-search-bar [deviceId]=\"amplitude.getInstance().options.deviceId\"><\/request-search-bar><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>Factors that influence the scan duration<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Multiple elements play a role in how long your MRI will actually take:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>How many images are needed: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need a particularly detailed evaluation, the extra imaging will take more time.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Contrast dyes: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you need a contrast dye injected via IV to make the images show more clearly, it can take an additional 15-30 minutes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>The area being scanned:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Something complex, like a brain MRI, will take longer than scanning more simplistic structures.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Sedation: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s not uncommon for patients to be claustrophobic in the enclosed MRI machine and sedation can make the procedure more comfortable. Likewise, children may require sedation if they are too young to hold still. Either way, this lengthens the scan.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>Type of technology used: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The software and MRI machine itself can influence the length of an MRI scan. Generally, newer technology tends to be more efficient, potentially reducing scan times.<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>How able you are to hold still:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> To get the best images, it is vital that you hold as still as possible. If you have difficulties with this, the scan may take longer. <\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>If you have metal on\/in your body: <\/b>Due to the magnetic nature of MRI machines, metal is generally not recommended. If you\u2019re wearing jewelry, have clothes with metal zippers, or have piercings, you\u2019ll need to change into a hospital gown and remove these items. For metal medical implants, such as a pacemaker, inform your doctor well before your appointment so they can determine whether the MRI is suitable or if an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/2024\/08\/01\/pet-vs-mri-vs-ct-scan\/\">alternative scanning method<\/a> should be used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>How long does a full body MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most patients won\u2019t need a full body MRI, but in rare conditions it can be helpful, such as for those with genetic disorders or higher risks for cancer. Some private companies offer full body MRIs for patients curious about their health, but be aware that health insurance companies will not cover medically unnecessary scans.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60 to 90 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">75 to 120 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will lie down on a table that moves part or all of your body into the tube-like MRI machine, depending on the system being used. During the scan, it\u2019s important to stay as still as possible, and you may need to wear hearing protection due to the loud tapping noises produced by the equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h2>How long does brain (head) MRI take?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_8611\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8611\" class=\"wp-image-8611 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/head-mri-how-long-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A patient getting a head MRI\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/head-mri-how-long-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/head-mri-how-long-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/head-mri-how-long-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/head-mri-how-long-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/head-mri-how-long.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8611\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>A patient getting a head MRI<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A head MRI can be used to scan your brain, nearby blood vessels, nerves, facial bones, skull, and structures of your inner eyes and ears. This imaging helps diagnose conditions such as tumors, inflammation, blood supply issues, pituitary gland disorders, dementia, stroke, and various other conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 45 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With your head inside the MRI machine, you may feel more claustrophobic, so discuss any concerns with your doctor well before the appointment. You\u2019ll lie face up on the table with your head in the MRI machine, wearing ear protection and a plastic, cage-like head radiofrequency coil over your head to enhance imaging. It may feel uncomfortable to lie still for an extended period, but it is not painful. The technician will provide pillows to support your legs and arms to help you relax. They also supply hearing protection and often allow you to listen to music during the scan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h2>How long does a lumbar spine MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have pain in your lower back or pelvis, your doctor may order a lumbar spine MRI to scan your lower back. Other reasons for this scan include spine injuries, multiple sclerosis, disk herniation, or even bladder problems.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">45 to 80 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typically, you\u2019ll lie on your back as the table is slid into the MRI machine, though you may need to be on your side or stomach if a different angle is required. Hearing protection may be necessary to guard against the loud thumping and humming, and it\u2019s important to remain as still as possible during the scan.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h2>How long does a cervical spine MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cervical spine is the section of your spine that runs through your neck. You may need an MRI of this area for arm, shoulder, or neck pain. It is also useful for diagnosing spinal cancers, multiple sclerosis, infections or arthritis. Additionally, an MRI might be performed as a precaution before spinal surgery to ensure everything is as it should be before the operation.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye):<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 30 to 45 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will lie on your back as the table slides your head and neck area into the MRI machine, where you\u2019ll need to stay still. This process may increase feelings of claustrophobia, so discuss any necessary preparations with your doctor well before your appointment.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h2>How long does a shoulder MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common reasons for a shoulder MRI include investigating a mass, examining abnormal bone scan findings, or addressing shoulder pain or issues. The scan can reveal abnormalities in the bones and tissues and even detect tumors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 to 45 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will lie still on your back as your head and shoulders are inserted into the MRI machine, with the rest of your body remaining outside. Cage-like coils may be used near your shoulder to obtain clearer images.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h2>How long does a knee MRI take?<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_8613\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8613\" class=\"wp-image-8613 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/knee-mri-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A patient getting a knee MRI done\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/knee-mri-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/knee-mri-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/knee-mri-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/knee-mri-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/knee-mri.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8613\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>A patient getting a knee MRI done<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Knee MRIs can reveal damage to tendons, ligaments or cartilage. They are also useful for diagnosing osteoarthritis, tumors, fractures or assessing recovery from knee surgery. Additionally, an MRI might be performed in preparation for knee surgery to ensure there are no underlying conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">15 to 45 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lying on your back, the table will slide your body feet first into the MRI machine, with your head and upper body remaining outside. This positioning often feels less claustrophobic for many patients, though you will still need to keep still and small coils may be used around your knees for imaging.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How long does a cardiac (heart) MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cardiac MRIs can reveal tissue damage from a heart attack, blood flow to the heart, inflammation, aortic issues, congenital heart problems and other conditions affecting this organ. It\u2019s an especially helpful assessment for preparing for or recovering from heart surgery. Be aware that there can be a lot of variation\u00a0 in the length of this scan, depending on how thorough the imaging needs to be.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60 to 90 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60 to 120 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will lie on your back as your torso is inserted into the MRI machine, where you\u2019ll need to stay still. The technician may also place electrocardiogram leads on you to monitor your heartbeat and breathing during the scan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How long does an abdominal MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abdominal MRIs evaluate blood flow and vessels within the abdomen, identify causes of pain or swelling and diagnose other symptoms in this area. They can also detect masses in the spleen, kidneys, pancreas, liver and abdominal lymph nodes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 90 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lying on your back, most or all of your body will be inserted into the MRI machine, with cushions placed under your legs for added comfort as needed. They may also position radiofrequency coils over your abdomen in a cage-like structure or pad to enhance imaging views.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<div class=\"cta-banner\">\n\t<div class=\"cta-text\">\n\t\t<h2>\n\t\t\tFast and easy access to your MRI results\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"cta-search\">\n\t\t<div class=\"request-search-bar request-search-bar--type-general\"><request-search-bar [deviceId]=\"amplitude.getInstance().options.deviceId\"><\/request-search-bar><\/div>\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How long does a chest MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chest MRIs help clarify previous CT scans or x-rays, looks for irregular growths or tumors within the chest and assesses blood flow. It also detects abnormal chest bone conditions or injuries and looks at the lymph nodes found in this region.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 90 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will lie on your back as the table slides into the MRI machine. Cushions may be provided to support your legs or other areas for added comfort while you remain still for the duration of the exam.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>How long does a breast MRI take?<\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Breast MRIs are recommended for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/2023\/11\/27\/breast-cancer-screening-for-dense-breasts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">people at high risk of breast cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, to use in addition with their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/2023\/08\/30\/mammogram-screening-guide\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mammogram<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This ensures the most accurate results, especially as breast MRIs by themselves can find non-cancerous growths or cysts and mistake them for false positives. This is why mammograms are the first course with MRIs to supplement for high risk patients only. Breast MRIs can also detect silicone breast implant leaks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (without a contrast dye): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">30 to 60 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Duration (if a contrast dye is required): <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">60 to 90 minutes<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What to expect: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You\u2019ll lie face down on the table with your arms overhead on a cushion and your breasts positioned in a dedicated breast coil device to enhance imaging. The machine will be equipped with padded, comfortable supports for your face and arms during the scan.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Getting your MRI results<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_8622\" style=\"width: 1034px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-8622\" class=\"wp-image-8622 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pockethealth-mri-results-1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"A patient using PocketHealth to view their MRI report\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pockethealth-mri-results-1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pockethealth-mri-results-1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pockethealth-mri-results-1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pockethealth-mri-results-1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/pockethealth-mri-results-1.png 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-8622\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>A patient using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/\">PocketHealth<\/a> to view their MRI report<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n<p>Some MRI results are ready within a day or two, while others may take up to a week or longer. The timing depends on the workload of the imaging facility and whether your doctor requested expedited results. The MRI needs to be officially interpreted and the report completed before your doctor reviews everything with you at your follow-up appointment.<\/p>\n<p>If you want to view your report before your appointment, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/\">PocketHealth<\/a> offers faster access, allowing you to see the results as soon as they\u2019re officially uploaded. This gives you the chance to gather your thoughts for your next medical visit. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/patients\/mycare-navigator\/\">MyCare Navigator<\/a> is particularly useful for personalized insights and next steps. It helps you formulate individualized, relevant questions to ask your doctor, ensuring you make the most of your time with them.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding your report<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/2023\/02\/08\/whats-in-my-mri-report-decoding-common-terminology\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Understanding your MRI report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can be daunting due to the complex terms and numerical values involved. PocketHealth <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/patients\/report-reader\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Report Reader<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> simplifies this process by offering clear, easy-to-understand definitions for medical terms\u2014just tap or click on underlined words to see them. Additionally, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pockethealth.com\/patients\/mycare-navigator\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">MyCare Navigator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0 helps you stay on top of your health by highlighting and communicating any recommended follow-ups based on your report. These tools not only empower you with the knowledge you need but also ensure you\u2019re prepared to engage in your care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-container rounded-30\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/817276745?h=ec54a6c8d8&amp;autoplay=0&amp;muted=1\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If your doctor has scheduled you for an MRI, you may have questions about the upcoming scan. Magnetic resonance imaging is a valuable technique for capturing detailed views of tissues and organs in your body using magnetic fields and radio waves. In this guide, we\u2019ll discuss approximately how long each type of MRI takes, so [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":8615,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[331,336,337],"tags":[],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-8610","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mri","category-other-imaging","category-patient-advocacy"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How Long Does MRI Take: Brain, Knee, Shoulder, Breast &amp; More<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Getting ready for an MRI scan? 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