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Is it a problem if I am breast-feeding or pregnant?

It is better to avoid having an MRI during the early stages of pregnancy, even though there is no proof of harm from MRI to the baby.

Mothers who are breastfeeding should be given the opportunity to decide whether to continue breast-feeding or temporarily stop after receiving IV contrast. Less than 1% of the contrast dose is passed into breast milk and less than 1% of that is absorbed into the breast milk will be absorbed by an infant. Reports show that it is safe for the mother and infant to continue breastfeeding after receiving contrast.

If you remain concerned about any effects to your child, you may stop breastfeeding for 24 hours while continuing to express. You can either discard the breast milk from both breasts during that period or you may wish to use a breast pump to collect milk to feed your child later. Any further questions should be directed to your physician or the lactation consultant of TOH.

How to prepare for your MRI

• You may take your regular medication. Please bring a list of all your current medication.
• If diabetic, take insulin as directed. You can have a light meal after taking insulin.
• If you have allergies to any medication, food or other things, tell the staff before the test.
• If you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the staff before the test.
• If you know or think that you will receive an IV contrast injection, for the 24 -hour period leading up to the time of your MRI exam, please drink a total of 8 glasses of water. You will be instructed to drink additional water after the exam. This will help flush the IV contrast out of your system.
• You do not need a full bladder for this scan, so you can urinate before the exam. If you are on fluid restrictions, please contact the MRI booking office for additional instructions.

Are there any risks from the examination?

For most people, there is no danger with having an MRI scan. The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, which will move objects made with iron or steel. Metal objects can interfere with an MRI exam. (A secure place to store your valuables will be provided):

Please remove the following:

• Coins
• Jewelry, hair pins, metal zippers
• Hearing Aids
• Cards with magnetic stripes (i.e. Credit Cards)
• Watches
• Keys
• Dentures or partial plates

MRI Medical Review Form

The MRI machine uses a strong magnetic field, which will move objects made with iron or steel, let us know if you have:

• A pacemaker, internal defibrillators or artificial heart valves
• Aneurysm clips
• Cochlear implants
• History of metal in the eye
• A neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit)
• Metal implants
• An implanted drug infusion device
• Tattoos – Dyes used may contain iron and could heat up during MRI, but this is rarely a problem

In the past all the metallic devices were at high risk but today there are many new implants that may be MRI compatible, and when doing a MRI all devices must have all clinical and manufacturer information to evaluate the safety before doing an MRI.

To see if a MRI is possible to have, you will be asked if you have been injured by bullets or shrapnel or if you who work with metals.

In some cases, it may be necessary for you to have a plain x-ray prior to an MRI to determine if any metal is present.

Some metal implants do not cause problems;

• Most bone and dental implants are not magnetic.
• These include hip and knee replacement, plates, screws, and rods used to treat breaks, and cavity fillings.

How Should I Get Ready for the Exam?

As a rule, please do not bring valuables to your appointment. You will need to remove any metal objects from your body, hair clips, glasses and removable dentures.

It is best to wear clothes without metal zippers or studs. If you are wearing clothing that may interfere with the scan, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

You may take your regular medication. Please bring a list of all your current medications to show to the Technologist performing your scan.

What If I’m Having an MRI With Contrast?

There are no special preparations when having an MRI with contrast.

• However, if you are aged 70 or older, or have certain conditions, your doctor will provide our office with current blood work results in order to assess your kidneys’ ability to handle the contrast.
• Those conditions will be discussed at the time of booking and are part of the questionnaire that you will fill on the day of the examination.
• Prior to the examination, a technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. This will feel much like when you give a blood sample.
• For the procedure, you will be brought into the magnet room, where you will be asked to lie on an imaging table.
• The technologist will leave the room while the MRI procedure takes place. The technologist will be able to see you and speak with you throughout the procedure.
• You will be given something to use that will tell the technologist if a problem should occur.
• The contrast agent will be injected into the IV after some of images are taken.
• When the contrast is injected, it is normal to feel coolness and a flushing sensation for a minute or two. More images will then be taken during or following the injection.
• When the exam is complete, you will be asked to wait in the waiting area for a short period of time before the IV is removed.
• This is to make sure you are observed for 30 minutes after the injection for signs of an allergic reaction.
• Allergic reactions are extremely rare.