How to Prepare for Your Visit
Preparing ahead of time ensures your imaging session can begin smoothly. Please review the information below carefully before your visit.
🧭 Directions and Arrival Time
- The imaging center can be difficult to locate on campus.
- Please review the directions and map ahead of time.
- Plan to arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for check-in and changing.
🕒 Arriving on Your Own
- Some studies allow participants to arrive without immediately meeting a study team member.
- Clear signage and staff at the imaging center will help guide you through check-in and changing into scrubs.
- If you are unsure where to go, ask front-desk staff for assistance.
📝 Required Forms
- Bring your completed participant check-in form with you. This may be physical paper or an email or a text provided by your study contact.
- The form may be provided as a paper copy, email, or text attachment.
- This form is required to begin your visit.
- If you do not have the form or have questions about it, contact your study team before your appointment.
👕 What to Wear (Required)
- You must change into provided scrubs before your scan.
- Personal clothing cannot be worn during imaging, even if it does not contain metal.
- Wear clothing that is easy to change out of.
- Lockers are available for storing personal belongings.
- Participants who do not change into scrubs will not be scanned.
🧴 Personal Items
- Leave jewelry, watches, hair accessories, piercings, and other metal items at home if possible.
- Bring only essential personal items.
- Storage is available during your visit, but space is limited.
☕ Food, Drink & Medications
- Follow any study-specific instructions provided by your study team.
- If no restrictions were given, you may eat, drink, and take medications as you normally would.
❓ Questions Before Your Visit?
If you are unsure about any part of the preparation process, please contact your study team before arriving for your appointment. We’ve provided a list of frequently asked questions and tips for our visitors below.
Visit length varies by study. Most MRI sessions last between 30 and 90 minutes, while EEG sessions are typically 30 to 60 minutes. Your study team will provide the expected duration in advance.
We are open Monday-Friday (except Wednesday) from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday. We are closed on weekends and on all federal holidays.
No. MRI and EEG are non-invasive procedures and are generally painless. You may hear loud sounds during MRI or feel mild discomfort from lying still, but staff will be in communication with you throughout the session.
If movement affects the images, the staff may repeat a short portion of the scan. You don’t need to worry — we’ll guide you if adjustments are needed.
Yes. Participation is always voluntary, and you may stop the scan at any time. You will be given a way to communicate with staff during the procedure.
Many participants share this concern. Our staff will explain the process beforehand and stay in contact with you during the scan. Let your study team know in advance so accommodations can be discussed or if you feel that you may not be able to complete the scan.
Please tell your study team in advance if you have any implants, surgical hardware, or metal fragments. This information helps determine whether MRI is appropriate for you.
Some cosmetics and hair products may contain small amounts of metal. We may ask you to remove makeup or use wipes provided at the center before the scan.
In most cases, yes. Some studies have specific instructions, and your study team will let you know if any restrictions apply.
Yes. A friend or family member may accompany you to the appointment, but only participants are allowed in the scanner room. They can wait in the reception area.
The staff will be nearby and able to see, hear and communicate with you at all times, even though they are not physically in the room during scanning.
Imaging performed at Hoglund Biomedical Imaging Center is typically for research purposes and is not a clinical exam. Your study team will explain whether any information will be shared with you.
Please contact your study coordinator using the information provided in your study materials. In case you have to reschedule on the day of and cannot get a hold of the study team, you may call front desk at 913-588-9070
Please call us as soon as possible at 913-588-9070. Depending on the schedule, we may be able to accommodate a late arrival or reschedule your visit.