What Should You Wear and How Do You Prepare for an EOS Scan?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing with no metal fastenings. Avoid zips, underwire bras, belts and jewellery in the scan area. You stand still for a few seconds while the EOS system captures a full-body image. No injections, no fasting and very little preparation needed.
Key takeaways
- Choose clothes without metal: no zips, no underwire, no belt buckles.
- Remove jewellery, hair clips, coins and anything metallic from pockets.
- No fasting, no injections and no special preparation needed.
- The scan itself takes only a few seconds while you stand upright.
- EOS uses about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less.
An EOS scan is one of the simplest imaging appointments you can have. There is no tunnel to lie in, no contrast dye and no long wait on a table. You stand upright in an open booth, the machine sweeps from head to toe, and it is done in seconds. The only thing that needs a little thought is what you wear.
This page covers exactly what to put on, what to leave at home, and what happens when you arrive at ScanAlign, standing EOS imaging in Harley Street.
What should you wear for an X-ray or EOS scan?
Wear soft, loose clothing that has no metal in it. Metal fastenings create bright marks on the image, which can hide the detail your clinician needs. The simplest outfit is a plain cotton t-shirt, joggers or leggings, and trainers or flat shoes with no metal eyelets.
- Plain t-shirt or vest with no print embellishments
- Joggers, leggings or tracksuit bottoms (elasticated waist)
- Sports bra without underwire or metal hooks
- Flat shoes or trainers without metal buckles
- Loose cotton shorts
- Jeans or trousers with metal zips and buttons
- Underwire bras or bras with metal clasps
- Belts with metal buckles
- Clothing with metallic prints, studs or sequins
- Shoes with steel toe caps or metal decorations
If you arrive wearing something with metal, do not worry. You will be given a private changing area and a gown if needed. But choosing the right clothes in advance makes everything quicker and more comfortable.
Do you need to remove jewellery for an X-ray?
Yes. Any metal in the scan area can block the image. Before your EOS scan you will be asked to remove the following items.
This includes rings, necklaces, earrings, bracelets, watches, hair clips, piercings and body jewellery. Empty your pockets of coins, keys and your phone. You will have secure storage for everything during the appointment.
If you have metal implants inside your body, such as a hip or knee replacement, that is completely fine. Internal metalwork does not need to be removed and the radiographer will account for it when positioning you.
Can you wear a bra for an X-ray?
You can wear a bra if it has no metal in it. A soft sports bra or crop top without underwire, hooks or metal adjustment sliders is ideal. If your bra has underwire, you will need to remove it before the scan. A private changing area and a gown are available.
How should you prepare on the day of your scan?
There is very little to do. You can eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal. There is no fasting required and no injection or contrast dye involved.
What are the steps from booking to results?
The process is straightforward. Here is what to expect from start to finish.
A short call to discuss your symptoms and confirm the scan is right for you. No obligation, no charge.
Check in at 19 Harley Street. Store your belongings, change into metal-free clothing if needed, and remove jewellery.
You stand still in the open EOS booth. The scanner moves from head to toe. It takes seconds and uses about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less.
A specialist radiographer analyses your whole-body alignment images. The report is sent to you and, if you wish, to your referring clinician. Read more about what to expect at an alignment assessment.
When MRI is the better choice: EOS is excellent for bones, joints and whole-body alignment. If your clinician needs to see soft tissues, discs or nerves, MRI is usually the better tool. Your radiographer can advise which scan suits your situation during your free consultation.
For a full overview of what happens during an EOS scan, including how the standing position captures alignment that lying-down scans can miss, see our detailed guide.
Have questions about what to wear or bring? Our team can walk you through everything before you arrive.
Book a free video consultationFrequently asked questions
Wear loose, comfortable clothes with no metal. A plain t-shirt and joggers or leggings are ideal. Avoid jeans with zips, belts with buckles, and underwire bras.
Yes, as long as it has no metal. A sports bra or soft bralette without underwire or metal hooks is fine. If your bra has metal, you will be asked to remove it and a gown will be provided.
Not fully. If you arrive in metal-free clothing, you can be scanned in what you are wearing. If your clothes contain metal, you will change into a gown in a private area.
Yes. Remove all jewellery in the scan area, including rings, necklaces, earrings, watches and piercings. Secure storage is provided for your belongings.
Yes. There is no fasting required. Eat, drink and take your regular medication as normal before your appointment.
EOS uses about 90% less radiation than a standard X-ray, around ten times less. This makes it one of the lowest-dose imaging options available.
No. You can self-refer directly. If you do have a referral letter from a clinician, bring it along, but it is not required.
The scan itself takes only a few seconds. Including check-in, changing and positioning, plan for around 15 to 20 minutes at the clinic overall.
Internal metalwork such as hip or knee replacements is completely fine. The radiographer will know it is there and account for it. You only need to remove external metal items.
For current pricing, visit our frequently asked questions page. The free video consultation will also confirm the cost for your specific scan.
Ready to book your scan?
Start with a free, no-obligation video consultation. We will confirm the right scan for you and answer any questions about what to wear or bring.
Book a free video consultationSources
- NHS. "X-ray: How to prepare." nhs.uk. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/x-ray/preparation/
- Deschênes S, Charron G, Beaudoin G, et al. "Diagnostic imaging of spinal deformities: reducing patients radiation dose with a new slot-scanning X-ray imager." Spine, 2010;35(9):989-994.
- The Society of Radiographers. "Patient information: Having an X-ray." sor.org.
Written by Abbas Dhami (Specialist Diagnostic Radiographer)
This page is general information and not a diagnosis.
ScanAlign is the trading name of CoreMed Solutions Ltd and operates under The Harley Street Hospital's CQC licence.