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Is it uncomfortable?
The test itself is quite simple to painless. You will be asked to lie quietly in the MRA scanners “patient couch” during the study. Depending on the type of study being done, you may be injected with a contrasting agent or ”dye”. This part of the procedure may be uncomfortable at the beginning when the technologist places a small butterfly needle into a vein in your arm. The actual injection is painless.
The contrast used in MRA scans is called gadolinium. In rare cases, the contrast may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Prior to your MRA, be sure to tell the technologist, radiologist or staff if you had an allergic reaction to gadolinium during a previous MRI or MRA scan, or if you have other drug allergies.
MRA scanners do not use x-rays, but MRA scanners do have high magnetic fields that may effect the operation of certain external devices like Tens units or hearing aids. The technologist will have you remove these devices prior to the scan. If you have an implanted or fixed device like a pacemaker or certain brain aneurysm clips, you will not be able to have an MRI or MRA. If you are pregnant, you need to notify the staff before having a MRI or MRA exam. Because MRI or MRA scanners may effect some devices or medical conditions, be sure to tell the staff, technologist, or radiologist about any devices on or in your body, or if you are, or think you may be, pregnant before having any MRI or MRA exam.
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About the Magnets
MRA scanners do not use x-rays, but MRA scanners do have high magnetic fields that may effect the operation of certain external devices like Tens units or hearing aids. The technologist will have you remove these devices prior to the scan.
It is important, since an MRA scanner uses magnets that you have nothing metallic on or in or body.
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If you think you are or could be pregnant.
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If you have ever had surgery before, and there is any chance that you have metallic objects like surgical pins, clips, pacemakers implants, please tell the technologist or nurse who is working with you.
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Also, if you work around metals, such as machinists, welders or mechanics, please let us know that as well. We want to make certain nothing interferes with getting you a proper, high quality scan.
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If you have an implanted or fixed device like a pacemaker or certain brain aneurysm clips, you will not be able to have an MRI or MRA.
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Sedation
MRA exams are painless. However, a small percentage of people who are claustrophobic may find they prefer a sedative before their exam. If think you may need a sedative, discuss this with your physician prior to the MRI. If you take sedation the day of your exam, we will request that a friend or family member drive you home afterward.
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What can I do to prepare?
That day
On the day of your MRA scan, you may eat a light meal, but do limit the amount of fluids you drink prior to the MR scan. If you are on any medications routinely, go ahead and take the medications as you normally would.
For your comfort and safety, avoid wearing excessive jewelry, heavy make-up, strong perfumes or colognes.
At the MRA scan suite
Plan to arrive at the imaging center at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment. This will allow the necessary time to prepare your paperwork. You will be asked to fill our questionnaire about your medical history, medications, allergies and insurance.
The MRA technologist will greet you, explain the test you are having, and answer your questions. The technologist may ask you to remove make-up, and will ask you to remove anything metallic such as a hearing aid, partial plate, jewelry or hairpins. Personal items like watches and car keys will be given to the technician for safe-keeping. You will change into a hospital type gown.
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What happens during the scan?
The technologist will bring you into the MRA scan room where you will lie down on the patient couch (usually on you back). You should get comfortable because it is very important that you do not move during the test. MRI exams differ depending on the part of your body being studied. The radiologist will plan an examination that is best suited for you.
Once the scan begins, the table will slide very smoothly into the opening. You won't feel a thing. The technologist will give you a set of headphones so that you can listen to music, but you may feel a sort of a vibration and the hum of the machine. This is normal. A microphone is installed in the scanner to allow you to communicate with the technologist at any time.
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About Contrast
The contrast agent used in MRA scans is called gadolinium. In rare cases, the contrast may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Prior to your MRA, be sure to tell the technologist, radiologist or staff if you had an allergic reaction to gadolinium during a previous MRI or MRA scan, or if you have other drug allergies.
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How long does it take?
Each examination is tailored to individual requirements, so don’t be alarmed if your exam is different from one that you have had before, or if some additional pictures are taken after the first series is completed. From start to finish, the picture-taking part of the test usually lasts between 10 to 35 minutes. Studies with contrast agents will take longer than those without.
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What happens after the scan?
MRA has no side effects of ill effects. Once the MRI staff are sure enough information has been collected, you may leave and go about your normal activities without restriction. If you have requested any sedatives, as discussed earlier, we request that a friend or family member be there to drive you home.
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