MRA with and without IV Contrast

Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRA uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of arteries.

Preparation

• Leave all valuables at home.
• You may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual.
• If you have any medication patches, nicotine patches, continuous glucose monitors, or Neulasta, you will need to remove these before having your exam.
• If you are currently breastfeeding, please do so before arriving to your appointment.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with an order/paperwork if your doctor has given one to you, insurance card, identification and a list of your current medications.
• Bring product ID card for any implantable devices.
• You will be asked to remove all clothing and piercings, including permanent piercings, hair pins, magnetic lashes, etc. and change into a hospital-approved gown for the exam.

Considerations

• If you have metallic or electronic devices implanted in your body, you must have documentation stating what they are.

Procedure

• You will be positioned on a movable examination table.
• The technologist will start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm.
• You will be given earplugs to reduce the noise of the scanner, which can be very noisy.
• A device that contains coils may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.
• You will be asked to remain still during the exam.
• The movable table will slide into the MRI scanner.
• Part way through the exam, the technologist will let you know when you will feel the contrast injection through the IV.
• You may feel a cooling sensation in your arm from the injection.
• The technologist will then run additional scans to complete your exam.