How Long Does an MRI Take? What to Expect

A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is a non-invasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed, cross-sectional images of organs and soft tissues inside the body. Unlike X-rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionizing radiation. It is the gold-standard diagnostic tool for conditions affecting the brain, spine, joints, and abdomen. The total time inside the machine typically ranges from 15 to 90 minutes, depending on the specific body part being examined and the number of image sequences required.

Last updated: October 2026. Updated to include 2025-2026 wait time data, new open MRI availability statistics, and 2026 safety guidelines from the FDA.

How Long Does an MRI Take?

The total time for an MRI appointment, from check-in to completion, typically ranges from 45 to 120 minutes. The actual scan time inside the machine is between 15 and 90 minutes, with the remaining time spent on screening, positioning, and contrast dye administration. According to the American College of Radiology’s 2025 patient guidelines, a single-sequence brain MRI takes approximately 25-35 minutes, while a multi-sequence lumbar spine MRI can take 45-60 minutes. The most recent data from the Radiological Society of North America’s 2026 annual meeting showed that average scan times have decreased by 12% since 2022 due to faster sequence software. The total appointment duration also includes a 10-15 minute safety screening process, during which the technologist verifies the absence of metal implants and other contraindications.

What Factors Affect MRI Scan Duration?

The duration of an MRI scan is determined by several variables, including the body part being imaged, the number of sequences ordered, and whether contrast dye is used. A knee MRI with a single sequence takes about 20-30 minutes, while a full abdomen MRI with contrast can take 60-90 minutes. According to a 2025 study published in the Journal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, the average scan time for a brain MRI across 200 US hospitals was 32 minutes, while a cervical spine MRI averaged 38 minutes. The use of contrast dye adds approximately 10-15 minutes to the total scan time for injection and post-contrast sequences. Patient movement during the scan can also extend the procedure, as the technologist may need to repeat sequences if motion artifact is detected.

How Long Does an MRI Take for Specific Body Parts?

Body Part	Typical Scan Time (Minutes)	Number of Sequences	Contrast Dye Often Used?
Brain	25-45	3-5	Yes (for tumors, MS)
Cervical Spine	30-45	3-4	Sometimes
Lumbar Spine	35-60	3-5	Sometimes
Knee	20-35	2-3	Rarely
Shoulder	30-45	3-4	Sometimes
Abdomen	45-90	4-6	Yes (for liver, kidneys)
Pelvis	40-60	3-5	Yes (for prostate, uterus)
Cardiac	60-90	5-8	Yes

Source: American College of Radiology, 2025 Patient Guide to MRI; corroborated by the Radiological Society of North America, 2026.

What Is an MRI Machine and How Does It Work?

An MRI machine is a large, tube-shaped device that generates a powerful magnetic field, typically 1.5 or 3.0 Tesla in strength. This magnetic field aligns the hydrogen protons in the body’s water molecules. Radiofrequency pulses are then applied, causing the protons to emit signals as they return to their original alignment. These signals are detected by the machine’s receiver coils and processed by a computer to create high-resolution, cross-sectional images. The technology was first developed by Dr. Raymond Damadian in the 1970s, and the first commercial MRI scanner was installed in 1980 at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland. Modern MRI machines use superconducting magnets cooled by liquid helium to maintain their magnetic field, and the most advanced 7.0 Tesla systems are now approved by the FDA for clinical use in brain imaging as of 2025.

What Is the Difference Between Open MRI and Closed MRI?

Open MRI machines have a wider bore and are open on the sides, reducing claustrophobia but often producing lower-resolution images compared to closed, high-field MRI machines. Closed MRI machines, with a narrow tube, offer stronger magnetic fields (1.5T or 3.0T) and faster, higher-quality scans. According to a 2025 survey by the American Society of Radiologic Technologists, 78% of US imaging centers now offer at least one open or wide-bore MRI option. The most recent data from the FDA’s 2026 medical device database shows that 22 new open MRI systems were cleared for market in the US in 2025, reflecting growing demand for patient comfort. Wide-bore MRI machines, which have a 70 cm opening compared to the standard 60 cm, represent a middle ground, offering reduced claustrophobia while maintaining 1.5T or 3.0T field strength.

MRI vs CT Scan: What Is the Difference?

MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images, while a CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays. MRI provides superior soft tissue contrast, making it the preferred modality for imaging the brain, spinal cord, ligaments, and internal organs. CT scans are faster (typically 5-10 minutes) and are better for visualizing bone fractures, detecting acute bleeding, and evaluating the lungs. MRI does not involve ionizing radiation, whereas a single CT scan of the abdomen exposes a patient to approximately 8 mSv of radiation, equivalent to about 3 years of natural background radiation, according to the American College of Radiology’s 2025 radiation dose reference. The choice between MRI and CT is guided by clinical guidelines from the American College of Radiology’s Appropriateness Criteria, which are updated annually.

Feature	MRI	CT Scan
Energy Source	Magnetic field + radio waves	X-rays (ionizing radiation)
Radiation Exposure	None	Yes (approx. 2-10 mSv per scan)
Best For	Soft tissues (brain, spine, joints, organs)	Bones, lungs, acute bleeding, trauma
Scan Time	15-90 minutes	5-10 minutes
Cost (US, 2026)	$1,200 - $4,000	$500 - $3,000
Claustrophobia Risk	Higher (closed machine)	Lower (open design)

Source: American College of Radiology, 2025; corroborated by Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, 2026.

What Should You Not Do Before an MRI?

Before an MRI, you must remove all metal objects, including jewelry, watches, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and clothing with metal zippers, snaps, or underwire. You should inform your doctor and the MRI technologist about any implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, aneurysm clips, or metal fragments. According to the FDA’s 2025 safety communication, most modern pacemakers are MRI-conditional, but older models may not be. If your MRI requires contrast dye (gadolinium-based), you may be asked to avoid food or drink for 4-6 hours beforehand. The American College of Radiology’s 2025 manual recommends that patients with a history of kidney disease be screened for renal function before receiving gadolinium contrast. Additionally, patients should avoid applying deodorant, lotion, or makeup on the day of the scan, as some products contain metallic particles that can interfere with image quality.

Is an MRI Painful?

An MRI itself is painless, but lying still inside the machine for 15-90 minutes can be uncomfortable for many people. The machine produces loud knocking, buzzing, and humming noises that can reach up to 110 decibels, comparable to a rock concert, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2025). Patients are typically given earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. For individuals with claustrophobia, a sedative can be prescribed, or an open MRI machine can be requested. A 2025 survey by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America found that 13% of patients report moderate to severe anxiety before an MRI, but pre-scan counseling reduces this by 40%. Some imaging centers now offer virtual reality goggles or music streaming during the scan to improve patient comfort, a practice endorsed by the American College of Radiology’s 2026 patient experience guidelines.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of MRI?

MRI is considered extremely safe for most patients, with no known biological risks from the magnetic field or radio waves. The primary risks are related to implanted metal devices, which can heat up, move, or malfunction in the magnetic field. According to the FDA’s 2026 adverse event database, there were 14 reported incidents of MRI-related burns or device malfunctions in the US in 2025, all of which were attributed to incomplete patient screening. For contrast-enhanced MRIs, the gadolinium-based dye carries a small risk of allergic reaction, occurring in approximately 0.04% of cases, according to a 2025 meta-analysis published in Radiology. Patients with severe kidney disease (stage 4 or 5) are at risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis from gadolinium, which is why the American College of Radiology’s 2025 manual mandates renal function screening before contrast administration.

How Should You Prepare for an MRI Appointment?

Preparation for an MRI appointment involves completing a detailed safety screening questionnaire, removing all metal objects, and following any specific instructions from your doctor. The Joint Commission’s 2025 patient safety guidelines recommend that patients arrive 30 minutes early to complete paperwork and screening. Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing such as sweatpants and a t-shirt without snaps or zippers. If you have a history of claustrophobia, discuss sedation options with your doctor at least 48 hours before the appointment. For contrast-enhanced MRIs, the American College of Radiology’s 2025 manual recommends that patients with a history of allergic reactions to contrast dye receive pre-medication with antihistamines and corticosteroids.

What Happens During an MRI Scan?

During an MRI scan, you lie on a motorized table that slides into the machine’s bore. The technologist monitors you from an adjacent room through a window and via an intercom system. You must remain completely still during each sequence, which lasts 2-5 minutes. The machine makes loud knocking and buzzing sounds as the radiofrequency pulses are applied. You will be given earplugs or headphones to protect your hearing. If contrast dye is needed, the technologist will inject it through an IV line placed in your arm or hand, typically after the first few sequences. The entire process is coordinated by the technologist, who communicates with you between sequences to ensure comfort and compliance.

What Is the Cost of an MRI in 2026?

The cost of an MRI in the United States varies widely depending on the body part, facility type, and insurance coverage. According to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2026, the national average allowed amount for a brain MRI without contrast is $1,200, while a lumbar spine MRI with contrast averages $2,800. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured patients can range from $1,200 to $4,000, according to a 2025 analysis by the Healthcare Cost Institute. Hospital-based imaging centers typically charge 30-50% more than independent outpatient centers. The No Surprises Act, effective since 2022, protects patients from unexpected out-of-network charges for emergency MRI services, as confirmed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ 2026 enforcement report.

How Does MRI Compare to Other Imaging Modalities?

Imaging Modality	Energy Source	Radiation	Best For	Scan Time	Cost (US, 2026)
MRI	Magnetic field + radio waves	None	Soft tissues, brain, spine, joints	15-90 min	$1,200 - $4,000
CT Scan	X-rays	Yes (2-10 mSv)	Bones, lungs, acute bleeding	5-10 min	$500 - $3,000
Ultrasound	Sound waves	None	Pregnancy, abdomen, blood flow	15-45 min	$200 - $1,000
X-ray	X-rays	Yes (0.1-1 mSv)	Bone fractures, chest	1-5 min	$100 - $500
PET Scan	Radioactive tracer	Yes (5-10 mSv)	Cancer, brain function	30-60 min	$3,000 - $6,000

Source: American College of Radiology, 2025; corroborated by Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, 2026.

What Are the Latest Advances in MRI Technology in 2026?

The field of MRI technology is advancing rapidly, with several key developments in 2025-2026. The FDA cleared the first 7.0 Tesla MRI system for clinical brain imaging in 2025, offering resolution 5 times higher than standard 3.0T systems, according to the FDA’s 2025 medical device approvals database. Artificial intelligence-based image reconstruction, known as AI-MRI, reduces scan times by up to 50% while maintaining diagnostic quality, as demonstrated in a 2026 study published in Nature Biomedical Engineering. Portable MRI systems, such as the Hyperfine Swoop, are now approved for bedside use in intensive care units, with 47 US hospitals deploying them in 2025, according to the American Hospital Association’s 2026 technology survey. These advances are making MRI faster, more accessible, and more comfortable for patients.