Know before you go: A guide for kids

What is an MRE?

MRE stands for Magnetic Resonance Enterography. During this test, an MRI machine takes pictures of the inside of your body. Doctors look at these pictures to see how your intestines are working.

Before your MRE

You are not allowed to have anything to eat or drink six hours before your scheduled test time. You will need to arrive two hours before your appointment time.

Checking in

When you arrive at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, you will check in at the front desk or a kiosk and wait until your name is called.

Drinking the contrast

After registering and during the two hours before your test begins, you will be given a liquid to drink. This liquid, known as contrast, helps highlight your intestines, so doctors can see them more clearly on the MRI. Depending on your exam, you will have to drink one to three bottles of liquid. Once you have finished your last drink, the average wait time is 30 minutes before pictures begin. During this time, you may be asked to walk around the department or lay on your side. This helps the fluid move into your intestines.

Getting ready

When it is time to begin the test, a team member will walk you and your caregiver back to the changing room. You will have to change into hospital clothing. Before the pictures begin, you’ll get an IV with more contrast.

What happens during the scan

When you go into the MRI room, you will see a large, tunnel-shaped machine. Some kids say it looks like a spaceship or a donut. To have your pictures taken, you'll lie on a table inside the machine. You might need anesthesia, a medicine that helps you sleep, during your MRI. If you don't, you can relax during your MRI by watching a movie or listening to music. A thick cover will go over your stomach to help the MRI machine take its pictures. It feels like a weighted blanket.

When your MRI begins, you might feel the table move slowly. Nothing inside the tunnel will touch you or hurt you. Once you’re comfortable, the technologist will leave the room to take your pictures. Don’t worry, you won’t be alone. The technologist will talk to you through the headphones, which is also how you will listen to the movie or music. At certain moments during the scan, the technologist may ask you to hold your breath. Do your best to follow these instructions.

The MRI machine makes loud buzzing and thumping noises and may vibrate the table while it takes pictures. These sounds are normal and mean the machine is working.

What is my job?

Your job is to hold very still during your pictures and let the machine do all the work. If you move, the pictures will be blurry, and the technologist might need to take them again.

Know before you go: A guide for parents

Parent role

You can help your child stay calm and relaxed by remaining calm yourself. If your child is having a difficult time coping, the technologist can provide verbal reassurance through the headphones.

Important notes

The scan will take about 45 minutes. If you would like more information about your child’s scan or want to speak to a Child Life specialist about helping your child cope during the appointment, call 314-454-6139. The technologist completing the exam can also page Child Life on the day of your appointment for additional support.

Practice tips

  • Talk to your child about getting pictures taken of their body.
  • Have your child practice lying as still as a statue. Use a timer to see how long they can lie still and gradually increase the time as they succeed.