What to prepare for a contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan?

The article was made by Dr. Tran Hai Dang - Department of Diagnostic Imaging - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with contrast injection is often prescribed by doctors for patients to perform when doctors suspect that the patient has inflammatory diseases, blood vessels, tumors...

Magnetic contrast agents are widely used and very safe when performing magnetic resonance imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging with contrast injection almost does not cause discomfort or allergic reactions to patients after injection. All patients, when necessary for the diagnosis of disease, can receive magnetic contrast injections.
As recommended by ESUR 2018 on contrast guidelines, glomerular filtration rate testing is not mandatory for all patients requiring contrast injection.
In the case of patients with a history of kidney disease, caution should be exercised when injecting magnetic contrast agents in patients with severe renal impairment with GFR < 30 ml/min.
If in pregnant women, injection is only indicated when absolutely necessary, and if you are breastfeeding, it is not necessary to express milk for 24 hours after contrast injection as before.

When a patient has an appointment for a contrast-enhanced MRI, the patient does not need to fast or drink completely. Except for cases where the patient is not awake or needs sedation and anesthesia during the scan. In these cases, the patient will receive specific instructions from the doctor in each case since the appointment is made.
Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, like all other examinations, requires the patient's cooperative focus. Before taking MRI with contrast injection, patients must not use stimulants such as:
Tobacco, alcohol, beer, coffee. Patients do not need to stop or quit their medications before having a contrast-enhanced MRI (eg, drugs for blood pressure, arrhythmias, diabetes, etc.).
Before entering the MRI room, the patient will be asked, checked and fully explained the information or instructions related to the safety of MRI and the patient will sign the confirmation.
During the imaging process, the patient needs to lie still in the machine compartment according to the instructions of the doctor, the technician in the MRI room. At some stage of the examination, the patient may be asked by the technician not to swallow or hold their breath.
Patients in the MRI room will be continuously monitored by the technician through the glasses frame and camera system as well as the means of monitoring heart rate, breathing rate... mounted on the machine. MRI machines do not emit radiation like X-ray machines, CT scanners, but they make a lot of noise and can cause a feeling of suffocation when lying for a long time in the machine compartment. If there is any discomfort during the scan, the patient can notify the technician through a squeeze ball in his hand, the technician will support and help immediately.

To inject contrast, the patient will have a small needle placed in a vein in the arm or leg. At the time of injection, a small amount of contrast agent (maximum 5-10ml) will be injected into the vein. The feeling when the drug is injected is quite pleasant, not hot or painful like injecting iodinated contrast medium or some antibiotics or other chemicals.
Patients can have multiple contrast-enhanced MRI scans, the interval between 2 injections should be more than 7 days apart in people with renal failure.
After the scan, the patient does not need to abstain from eating or taking medication. In some special medical cases, the patient will be given specific instructions by the doctor.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) does not pose any health risks, but safety issues should be followed before and during the scan. Please consult your doctor on this matter if in doubt.
Vinmec International General Hospital put into use the magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla Silent technology. Magnetic resonance imaging machine 3.0 Tesla with Silent technology of GE Healthcare (USA).
Silent technology is especially beneficial for patients who are children, the elderly, weak health patients and patients undergoing surgery. Limiting noise, creating comfort and reducing stress for customers during the shooting process, helping to capture better quality images and shorten the shooting time. Magnetic resonance imaging technology is the technology applied in the most popular and safest imaging method today because of its accuracy, non-invasiveness and no use of X-rays. Customers can go directly to the system. Vinmec Health System nationwide to visit or contact the hotline HERE for support.
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Does Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) have any effect? Does magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require fasting? What are the benefits of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)?