What to Expect During a Stand-Up MRI Scan (Step-by-Step)

For patients who have only ever experienced, or heard about, traditional closed-bore MRI machines, the idea of a stand-up or upright MRI can be difficult to picture. The process is genuinely different from a conventional scan, not just in the equipment used but in how the entire appointment unfolds. Knowing what to expect at each stage removes much of the uncertainty that can make any medical procedure feel more stressful than it needs to be.

Here is a step-by-step walkthrough of what a typical stand-up MRI appointment involves, from arrival to results.

Step One: Check-In and Paperwork

Like most medical imaging appointments, the process begins with check-in and standard paperwork, including confirming your identity, insurance information, and the details of your referral. If you have not already completed any pre-appointment forms, you will typically be asked to do so at this stage. Bringing a copy of your referral, your insurance card, and a form of identification will help this step go smoothly.

Step Two: Screening Questions and Preparation

Before any MRI, staff will ask a series of screening questions about implants, metal in your body, prior surgeries, and any conditions that might be relevant to the scan. This is standard for any MRI regardless of the type of machine, since the magnetic field interacts with certain metals and devices. You will be asked to remove jewelry, watches, and any clothing with metal fasteners or zippers, and may be given a gown or comfortable clothing to change into depending on the area being scanned. At an open MRI center in Deerfield, this preparation process is generally quicker and more relaxed than at facilities where patients are anxious about the upcoming enclosed scan, since there is no enclosed bore to anticipate.

Step Three: Positioning for the Scan

This is where a stand-up MRI diverges most clearly from a conventional scan. Rather than lying down and sliding into a tube, you will be positioned according to what the scan requires, sitting, standing, or in some cases a reclined position, depending on the body part being imaged and the specific clinical question being asked. For spinal imaging in particular, you may be scanned in an upright, weight-bearing position that reflects your natural posture.

The technologist will guide you into the correct position relative to the open magnet, which surrounds the area being imaged from the sides rather than enclosing your entire body. There is no tube to enter and no sensation of being confined. You will be able to see the room around you throughout the scan, which is one of the primary reasons this type of MRI is well tolerated by patients who would otherwise struggle with a closed-bore system.

Step Four: The Scan Itself

Once positioned, the technologist will move to the control area and begin the scan sequence. You will need to remain still during each individual sequence, which typically lasts a few minutes at a time, though you may be given brief breaks between sequences depending on the protocol. The technologist will communicate with you throughout, letting you know how long each sequence will take and checking that you remain comfortable.

Open MRI systems are generally quieter than traditional closed-bore scanners, which reduces one of the more commonly cited sources of discomfort during an MRI. The combination of reduced noise and the absence of an enclosed space means most patients find the experience considerably more manageable than they anticipated, including patients who have had difficulty completing scans on closed-bore machines previously.

Step Five: Completion and Aftercare

Once all the required sequences have been completed, the scan is finished. There is no recovery time required, no sedation to wear off in the typical case, and no restrictions on activity afterward. You can resume your normal activities immediately, including driving yourself home.

Step Six: Results and Follow-Up

The images from your scan are reviewed by a radiologist, who produces a report that is sent to the physician who referred you. Turnaround time for results varies, but the imaging facility can give you an estimate of when your referring physician should expect the report. Your physician will then discuss the findings with you and explain what they mean for your specific situation and any next steps in your treatment.

If you have specific questions about your upcoming appointment, what to bring, how to prepare for a particular type of scan, or what your insurance covers, reviewing the frequently asked questions about upright MRI is a useful way to get clear answers before your appointment, so that the entire process feels as straightforward as it actually is.