A whole-body MRI sounds intimidating until you've actually done one. The reality is closer to a long nap inside a humming tube than a medical procedure. Here's exactly what happens at Simply MRI from the moment you arrive to the moment your radiologist report lands in your portal.
Before your appointment
- No fasting required for a standard whole-body screen — eat and drink normally.
- Skip metal. Leave jewelry, watches, and underwire bras at home; wear comfortable, metal-free clothing.
- Arrive 15 minutes early at 2888 Bathurst St, Toronto. Free on-site parking and TTC accessible.
- Bring a list of any implants, surgical clips, or pacemakers — our safety screen will ask.
Check-in (5–10 minutes)
You'll complete a brief MRI safety questionnaire and change into a gown in a private changing room. A technologist will confirm your scan protocol (Standard or Light), walk you through the timing, and answer any last questions.
Inside the scanner (60–90 minutes)
- Positioning. You lie on your back on a padded table that slides into the 1.5T magnet bore. Pillows and bolsters are used liberally for comfort.
- Headphones on. The scanner is loud — like a small jackhammer in cycles — so you'll wear headphones with music of your choice.
- Stay still. Each sequence runs 3–7 minutes. The technologist talks to you between sequences and you can squeeze a call bell at any time.
- Breathing. For abdominal sequences you'll be asked to hold your breath for 10–20 seconds at a time.
- No injections for most preventative scans. Contrast is only used when clinically indicated.
What it actually feels like
- No pain — MRI is completely non-invasive.
- Mild warmth in the area being scanned is normal and harmless.
- Loud knocking sounds from the gradient coils — expected and not dangerous.
- The bore feels close. Mild claustrophobia is common; we offer wider 1.5T systems and can pause anytime.
After the scan
You change back into your clothes and leave the same day — no recovery time, no driving restrictions, no aftercare. Most patients return to work or normal activity immediately. Your board-certified radiologist report and full DICOM images are delivered to your patient portal within 24–48 hours.
Tips for a smoother scan
- Use the bathroom right before going in — sequences can't be paused mid-acquisition.
- Bring a playlist or pick a streaming station; time passes faster with music you like.
- If you're prone to claustrophobia, ask about taking a short Ativan beforehand (with a driver).
- Wear contact lenses, not glasses; you can keep them in.
Common questions
Can I move at all? Small adjustments between sequences are fine; during a sequence, stay as still as possible.
Can someone come with me? Yes — companions can wait in the lounge or, if MRI-safe, sit in the scanner room.
What if I panic? Squeeze the call bell. The table can be out of the bore in under 10 seconds.
Still have questions? Read our whole-body MRI safety explainer, see the full Standard scan protocol, or contact our team.