How do I prepare for an MRI with contrast?

Preparation for your MRI Appointment:

Do not have anything to drink 1-hour before your appointment time. If you have experienced previous nausea or vomiting with Gadolinium in the past, contact your referring physician concerning an anti-emetic prescription. Take your medications as usual unless otherwise instructed.

How long does a MRI scan with contrast take?

An MRI scan with contrast can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the area of the body being scanned, the agent used, and the GBCA'S route of administration. Be sure to arrive 15 to 30 minutes before your appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork and settle in.

Is fasting required for MRI with contrast?

If you are getting intravenous contrast material, which helps your body part show up better in the MRI pictures, or sedative medicine during the examination, you may be asked to not eat solid food for four to eight hours before the examination.

Can you drink water before MRI with contrast?

You should not eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to your exam time. You may take your medications with a small sip of water if needed. The day before your exam drink plenty of water so you are well hydrated. Being hydrated will ease the discomfort for those receiving contrast.

What should I do the night before my MRI?

Before an MRI exam, eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed. You will typically be asked to change into a gown and to remove things that might affect the magnetic imaging, such as: Jewelry. Hairpins.

What to Expect from an MRI Exam with Contrast

Can you open your eyes during MRI?

It helps to close your eyes before going in and keep them closed. Try to think of amusing things — or about people or pets you love. Some people benefit from taking anti-anxiety medication prior to MRI. 4.

Can you put on deodorant for an MRI?

Can you put on deodorant for an MRI? Please refrain from wearing any powder, perfumes, deodorant and/or lotions on your underarms and breasts prior to the procedure. Since the MRI is a magnet, please let us know if you have any metal in or on your body.

How can I make my contrast drink easier?

Shake the contrast well before drinking. It does not need to be refrigerated, but tastes better when cold. Begin drinking the contrast one hour prior to your scheduled exam time. Drink first bottle in 20 min, drink second bottle in 20 min, and half of the third bottle in 20 min.

What is considered a light meal before an MRI?

PATIENT PREPARATION

Poultry and/or fish is ok. 2. You may have a light breakfast or lunch but try to avoid eating at least 3 hours prior your MRI/MRSI exam, and no tea or coffee as this increases urination and may add to the discomfort of lying still during the exam for an hour or longer without a bathroom break. 3.

Should you drink a lot of water after MRI with contrast?

MRI contrast does not affect your ability to carry out normal activities. You should be able to continue with your day as normal. Drink plenty of water after the MRI scan to help your kidneys flush the contrast out from your body.

Can I drive after MRI with contrast?

After the scan, you can resume normal activities immediately. But if you have had a sedative, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours. It's not safe to drive, operate heavy machinery or drink alcohol for 24 hours after having a sedative.

What are the side effects of an MRI with contrast?

There are some side effects of MRI contrast dyes, such as gadolinium-based contrasts. Mild side effects include headache, nausea, dizziness, itchy skin, and a cold sensation during injection.

Do you have to get undressed for an MRI?

It's important that patients remove all clothing prior to their MRI exam. We ask patients to remove: All outer clothing, including shoes. Bras or any undergarment that could have metal in it.

Is contrast dye injection painful?

It's kind of like a dye in the way that it temporarily changes how your insides appear on a medical image, but it won't change the color of anything and it won't hurt you.

Is it normal to be tired after an MRI?

You won't have pain from the magnetic field or radio waves used for the MRI test. But you may be tired or sore from lying in one position for a long time.

How much water should you drink after contrast?

After Your Exam

If you received an injection of contrast dye, you should drink six to eight glasses of water to help flush it out of your system. Your study will be read by an imaging physician who specializes in the interpretation of CT scans. The results will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.

What is the liquid you drink before an MRI?

Before the exam you will be asked to drink approximately 1 liter (3 bottles) of a liquid called Volumen. This will help distend the bowel so it can be better visualized during the MRI. During the exam you will be given an injection of contrast fluid called gadolinium.

Why can't I drink water before an MRI?

That's because when you lie flat, gravity can't help move food and acid down the esophagus and through your digestive tract. If you often experience esophageal reflux, you may want to limit the amount you eat or drink before your MRI or abstain from eating and drinking for a few hours prior to your MRI.

Can you drink coffee before MRI?

MRI or MRA Kidneys, MRCP, Liver or Pelvis: Do not eat anything four hours before the exam. You may have clear liquids only (jello, tea, fruit drinks without pulp, black coffee, water, etc.) for 6 hours before the exam.

Can you use the bathroom after drinking contrast?

You may have to use the restroom once you start drinking. You must drink the contrast material over a period of two hours.

What if I can't drink all the contrast?

When a patient can't drink all the oral contrast due to the taste or texture or drink it in the recommended time frame imaging staff may try to coax/coach the patient to finish drinking. However, prolonged drinking times may disrupt the schedule as well as result in images that are suboptimal.

What does MRI contrast taste like?

This IV contrast allows the radiologist to view the vessels in your abdomen that are connected to your intestines. You will likely feel cool when the contrast is injected into you. This may be accompanied by a metallic taste in your mouth.

What happens if you cough during an MRI?

If you feel like you are going to cough, particularly if you have a cold on the day of the MRI scan, you should let the radiology team know that this is a concern. They may be able to give you a medication that can help you. In addition, some people have to cough when they end up in tight places.

What happens if I have to cough during an MRI?

If you have a cough or cold, consider taking a cough suppressant or decongestant prior to you visit. You may be reminded not to cough or move during the scan, and this includes scratching any itches that arise. If you do move in any manner during the scan, they may have to begin that sequence over again.

What happens if you panic during an MRI?

When not properly accommodated during an MRI, claustrophobic patients may experience panic attacks, which can bring on increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, chills, sweating, and other distressing symptoms. Claustrophobia is a very common condition, affecting as much as 5% of the population.