What is the procedure for an MRI with AND without contrast?

I have also had this type of MRI, several times. The way it was done for me was that an IV was set and connected to a bag of saline, but the medication was not started. I was placed in the machine and a series of images was done without the contrast, then the technician informed me that they were administering the IV, which was done remotely from the control area. The remaining imaging with contrast was then done. The process was not difficult or uncomfortable for me, and you have the capability to communicate two way with the person performing the MRI - you can talk to them and they can talk to you even while you are in the machine. Wishing your mom the best.

That's odd. Prior to mom's mastectomy, they sent her for a breast MRI (also with and without contrast). She wasnt hooked up to an IV during the MRI, only for a few minutes before it. The report says they took an image without contract and 3 images with contrast, but i dont see how that's possible if she wasnt connected to an IV. There was no separate scan before they gave her the IV. Did they lie? Ugh

Did both of you get this particular MRI for the breast or another part of the body? Maybe they dont even do breast MRIs without contrast,.

Thanks

Hi edj3,

but did they have to attach/reattach the iv to long tube? or did someone just inject into the little iv port on your arm/hand?

My mom has a hard time remembering things, but she seemed to think they put in the IV before the scan, and then injected the dye, but REMOVED the IV entirely before she even climbed in the machine. Unlikely?

My mom just had her MRI no contrast and they used the upright MRI machine. Don't know the results yet we think it is a pinched nerve sciatica. Wonder if doing one with contrast should have been done. She paid out of pocket good deal $242. Medicare would not pay unless she did 1 month physical therapy first.

Thanks specialk, Mom is feeling a little better but we won't drop the ball till we know what it is.