Preparation for an MRI With Contrast

A magnetic resonance imaging is a radiology exam that produces an image of a specific area of the body to help a doctor rule out or diagnose a health problem. An MRI with contrast is an MRI in which a patient has been injected with a dye that is used to enhance the body scan to view areas like blood vessels and organs.

Things You'll Need

• MRI prescription

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Instructions

• 1

  Make your appointment for the MRI scans to be completed.

• 2

  Ask whether you can eat or drink prior to the MRI. Sometimes an MRI will require that you not eat for eight to 12 hours before the scan. Follow the instructions or you may not be able to have the MRI test done.

• 3

  Arrive to your appointment 60 minutes early if you have an MRI with contrast, as it takes an hour for the contrast material to take effect. Make sure that you have your prescription for the MRI with contrast with you or that the hospital has received it from your physician prior to the appointment.

• 4

  Notify the hospital of any implants, such as a pacemaker, metal pins, prosthetics, IUDs or other items that may cause issues during the procedure. If you suffer from claustrophobia, tell the radiologist prior to beginning the procedure and make sure you declare any allergies you have.

• 5

  Discuss any concerns that you have about the injection or the side effects with your doctor or radiologist. Ask any questions you have about why the contrast is needed.

• 6

  Sign the consent form that states that you understand the risks of the MRI and the contrast material and that you agree to have the test done.

• 7

  Get into the gown given to you by the radiologist technician.

• 8

  Allow for the contrast injection by letting the radiologist take you out of the MRI machine, numb your skin, and insert the i.v. in your arm or hand and inject about 10 milliliters to 20 milliliters of dye into the vein.

• 9

  Prepare to be put back into the MRI machine for the remaining scans to be completed.

• 10

  Hold the panic button while inside the MRI machine in case you need to get out or feel like you are suffering from an allergic reaction from the MRI contrast material.