MRI - Preparation
MRI
Can take up to 30-60 min in the scanner
MRI absolutely should not be done if you have:
metallic foreign body in eye, triggerfish contact lens, sternum implant device in kids, gastric reflux device, insulin pump, temporary or abandoned external heart pacing leads, any ferromagnetic metal in your body, or any metal in your body that is close to vital organs
Check with Manufacturer and Dr. for the following, as some manufacturers are coming up with MRI compatible devices. Always mention it to the MRI tech, as a lower power MRI may be needed for some. X-rays or CT may be needed first to see if their locations prevent use of MRI -
any metal in your body that may have contamination with ferromagnetic metal ( eg sharpnel) and it’s location is away from vital organs, drug infusion pumps with motors (such as for pain or cancer drugs), certain catheters, feeding tubes, brain, nerve or spinal cord stimulators, halo vests, bone fusion spinal stimulator, cochlear( ear) implants, brain blood vessel clips, EEG electrode wires, certain breast tissue expanders, penile implants, foley (bladder) catheters with temperature probe, certain heart pacemakers, defibrillators, heart loop recorders
Metal hardware in spine causes much artifact (MRI may not be very useful, and CT may be preferred), but can be done with a lower powered MRI, and patient should always be awake in order to report any unusual heat sensation.
Contrast (dye) in MRI is not often needed. Modern dyes (eg: Gadovist, Eovist) are safer. It is typically avoided in pregnancy and tends to be avoided in severe kidney or liver disease, organ transplant. Kidney function (GFR) will also be tested when you have diabetes, high blood pressure, multiple myeloma.
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