Kasey McKillip on Patient Comfort, Safety and Confidence During MRI Procedures

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures can feel intimidating for patients who are unsure what to expect. The scanner may look large, the sounds may seem intense, and the need to stay still can create stress before the exam even begins. Kasey McKillip, a seasoned MRI technologist with over a decade of hands-on experience in medical imaging, recognizes that comfort, safety and confidence often start with clear communication before a patient enters the scan room. Kasey McKillip notes that clear communication can make MRI procedures feel safer and more manageable for patients.

The hardest part of an MRI is not only the scan itself, but the uncertainty around it. They may be wondering how long they need to stay still, what the machine sounds mean, or when they might hear from their doctor. A simple explanation before the exam can make those details feel less scattered and help the patient follow the process with a clearer sense of what comes next.

Comfort Starts Before the Scan

Patient comfort often begins with the first explanation. A technologist may describe the table, the scanner, the sounds, and the need to remain still. These details can make the procedure feel less mysterious, especially for someone who has only heard about MRI scans from other people.

Comfort also depends on giving patients space to ask questions. Some may worry about the enclosed space. Others may be concerned about pain, contrast, or how long the scan may take. A calm answer can help the patient settle into the process with a clearer idea of what comes next.

Safety Screening and Metal Checks Before the Scan

Before an MRI begins, the imaging team needs to know whether anything inside or on the body could affect the exam. That is why patients are asked about pacemakers, implants, surgical clips, metal fragments, medication patches, and past injuries involving metal. These questions are not meant to make the appointment feel more complicated. They help staff decide whether the scan can move forward as planned or whether more information is needed first.

After the medical history is reviewed, the focus turns to what the patient brings into the MRI area. Phones, keys, wallets, jewelry, watches, hearing aids, glasses and hairpins are usually removed before the scan. Clothing with zippers, snaps, hooks, underwire or metallic fibers may also need to be changed. This step is practical, but it still matters because the goal is to enter the scan room with only what is safe and needed for the exam.

Getting Settled Before the Scan Begins

Once the patient is on the table, the technologist helps arrange the body part being scanned and checks whether the position can be held comfortably. This may involve cushions, pads, blankets, or a special coil placed near the area being imaged. The setup can feel very specific, but it is not random. Each adjustment helps the technologist prepare the scan while also giving the patient a chance to mention pain, stiffness, or discomfort before the images are taken.

This is also the time to explain how communication works during the exam. Many MRI procedures include an intercom and a call button or squeeze bulb, so the patient can alert the technologist if help is needed. Kasey McKillip’s patient-centered approach reflects why this step matters: patients often feel more settled when they know they are not expected to stay silent through pain, panic, or unusual discomfort.

The Sounds Are Part of the Process

MRI machines often make loud knocking, tapping, buzzing, or thumping sounds while images are being taken. For first-time patients, these sounds can be surprising. They are usually a normal part of the procedure, not a sign that something is wrong.

Patients are often given earplugs or headphones to help reduce the noise. Some facilities may offer music when available. It can also help to know that the sounds may come in patterns, with quiet pauses between scan sequences. A technologist may explain these moments before the scan begins.

Staying Still Can Be Difficult

Staying still is one of the most important parts of an MRI procedure. Movement can blur the images, which may make part of the scan harder to review. For patients with pain, anxiety, or stiffness, holding one position can take effort.

Technologists may give time estimates during the scan to help patients focus on one section at a time. A short update, such as “this part takes about three minutes,” can make the procedure feel more manageable. Patients should speak up before the scan starts if a position feels too painful to hold.

Contrast May Be Part of Some Exams

Some MRI procedures use contrast material to help certain tissues, blood vessels, or areas of concern appear more clearly. Not every MRI uses contrast. When it is part of the exam, patients may receive it through an IV.

Patients should share information about kidney problems, pregnancy, allergies, or past reactions to contrast. They can also ask what the injection may feel like and whether any special instructions apply afterward. Knowing this ahead of time can reduce uncertainty if contrast is included in the appointment.

Confidence Comes from Clear Expectations

Patients often feel more confident when they know what happens after the scan. The technologist usually cannot interpret the images or discuss the results. A radiologist reviews the images and prepares a report for the provider who ordered the exam.

That provider explains the findings in the context of symptoms, medical history, and other information. Patients can ask when results may be available and whom they should contact with questions. Having that plan can make the wait after the procedure feel less confusing.

A Clearer Path Through the MRI Process

A good MRI experience often comes from knowing how the appointment moves from one step to the next. Safety questions, positioning, communication during the scan and follow-up instructions all help create a process that feels clear and organized for the patient.

Patients do not need to understand every technical part of the scan to feel prepared. They only need practical information, honest answers, and a chance to ask questions when something is unclear. With that kind of guidance, an MRI appointment can feel more approachable from check-in through the next step in care.