How to Prepare for Your MRI and MRA Contrast Study

If you are having an MRI or MRA with a contrast injection please be sure drink plenty of water before and after the exam. This will ensure that the injection itself is as painless as possible and that the Gadolinium is flushed out of your system quickly.

Not all patients can receive Gadolinium injections. That is why all patients who call or come in to schedule an appointment undergo a careful screening process. Here are some things you can expect to be asked if you are scheduling a contrast MRI or MRA:

Does your MRI require a contrast injection?

• If you are unsure, please contact your referring physician and ask.

If you say yes to any of the following then you must provide recent (taken within the last 3 months) blood work containing BUN, Creatinine and GFR. If you do not have this blood work you must contact your referring physician or your family doctor for a prescription prior to making an appointment with us.

• Are you over 60?
• Do you have a history of any kind of renal disease?
• Do you have a history of hypertension requiring medication?
• Do you have a history of diabetes?
• Do you have a history of cancer with recent (within the last 3 months) chemotherapy?
• Do you have a history of multiple myeloma?
• Prior organ transplantation or pending a transplant?

If you are unsure about any part of this please contact your referring doctor or your primary care physician.