Many MRI exams are performed with no contrast injection. However, there are times when a physician will order a scan with and without contrast. Contrast materials  offer additional information about certain anatomical structures & vessels in the body.  Many times people refer to the contrast material as dye. Although dye is not the correct term, it does provide an easy-to-understand example.  

Your doctor will decide which procedure will give the most optimal results. The following anatomical body regions may be scanned without contrast and then followed by contrast material. Please refer to your request (order) form to see what exam your doctor has selected.

NO PREP REQUIRED FOR THE FOLLOWING MRA PROCEDURES:

Circle of Willis

Carotid

Thoracic Aorta

Abdominal Aorta

Renal

Peripheral Extremity

CSF Flow Study

MR Venography

*Pediatric Patients: Upon scheduling we will give preparation instructions.

THERE ARE CERTAIN SITUATIONS WHICH INHIBIT SOMEONE FROM BEING ABLE TO GO INTO A MRI SCANNER.

Some common  contraindication are as follows:

·Cardiac Pacemaker

·Brain/Vascular Aneurysm Clips

·History or Welding or working with Metal

·Claustrophobia

If you have any of the above, please notify your referring physician or the technologist performing the exam. There may be an alternative exam which would be more appropriate.

If the patient has a history of working with metal, please arrive 30 minutes prior to the MRI appointment time. We will need take a screening x-ray.

If you are claustrophobic either sedation or an open MRI may be the solution.

Due to the nature of the magnetic field, we ask that you remove the

following items prior to entering the exam room. We will provide you with a safe place to store these items.

Metal Objects / Credit Cards / Coins / Keys /Hearing Aids / Safety Pins/ Pagers /Cell Phones

Watches / Jewelry/ Bobby Pins / Barrettes / Belts with metal buckles/ Brassieres with under wire or metal snaps / Gowns or clothing with metal snaps or buttons / All magnetic body piercings.