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Almost all major medical tests have particular prerequisites to obtain accurate results and minimize specific side effects. The same is the case for Magnetic Resonance Imaging which became commercially available in the 1980s and has been quite popular and beneficial since then. There are two significant kinds of MRI: MRI with contrast and MRI without contrast. Are you unaware of what they are, what to expect in an MRI scan, and what the prerequisites are? Let us help you.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a painless and non-invasive scanning procedure that uses a large magnet and radio waves to form a detailed and multi-dimensional image of internal organs and structures. The radio waves used are not ionizing or potentially harmful, unlike X-rays and CT scans.
Since an MRI scan involves using strong magnetic fields, removing metal objects such as watches, jewelry, piercings, dentures (false teeth), piercings, hearing aids, and even wigs (some wigs contain small amounts of metal) is a compulsion.
Although the procedure's duration depends on the part of the body being scanned and the number of images taken, the process typically takes around 15 to 90 minutes. Unlike certain other procedures, there is no restriction on eating, drinking, and taking medications before the test. You don't need to fast unless expressly advised otherwise. It is common to have a questionnaire filled out by a patient before conducting the procedure to gain insight into their medical condition and history. A signed consent typically follows the filling of the questionnaire.
MRI with and without contrast are the two significant kinds of MRI scans. The primary difference between the two lies in the use of a gadolinium-based contrast dye administered intravenously before the procedure.
An MRI with contrast involves the use of this dye, whereas an MRI without contrast does not. A contrast agent is used to obtain an intricately detailed look into a specific part of the body as the dye highlights inflamed areas, tumors, or any other abnormalities. Such anomalies absorb the stain and glow in return, allowing physicians to manipulate images for a better view.
This procedure can detect the smallest of tumors impossible to see even through an X-ray or CT scan. Therefore, an MRI with contrast provides more clarity into organs and tissues using an injectable dye.
A contrast dye is not used in a non-contrast MRI. It is an excellent fit for obtaining vivid images of congested blood vessels, detecting aneurysms, and overseeing blood vessel activity. Various orthopedic studies are conducted via this procedure. There is typically no obligation for blood work in a non-contrast MRI.
An MRI without contrast is usually undertaken as a procedure for older people or patients with compromised kidneys. That is where a blood test comes into action; physicians necessitate it to gain insight into how well a patient's kidney functions and if it would be able to sustain the procedure. Such patients cannot flush out the dye from their bodies after the process, leading to certain connective tissue complications. The contrast dye can also cause tissue or organ damage in individuals suffering from severe kidney ailments. People on dialysis get dialysis immediately after a contrast MRI.
In some cases, the dosage of the dye is reduced to a sustainable amount. The contrast dye can also trigger some possible side effects, including dizziness, allergic reactions, shortness of breath, hives, flushing, blood clots, or aggravation of other conditions such as asthma, hypotension (lower than normal blood pressure), kidney ailments, anemia, and sickle cell disease.
It is recommended to seek immediate medical assistance if such symptoms appear. Although it is common for physicians to determine the kind of MRI scan a specific patient needs, patients also hold the authority to choose it independently. If you fear needles or are concerned about the blood work, take up your queries and concerns with your physician to work out a suitable plan of action.
Blood work is a necessity in the case of a contrast MRI for pregnant women. Some blood samples are taken to detect pregnancy, whereas others determine if the use of gadolinium contrast should be limited and to what extent. The dye is only used in pregnancy if it can boost diagnostic performance and enhance fetal or maternal outcomes.
Certain patients are advised to have a creatinine blood test taken 30 days before an MRI examination. These patients include those aged 70 or older, insulin or non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients, and patients with a history of kidney masses, insufficiency, or those with a single kidney. You can quickly get a creatinine blood test done by experts at SmartClinix. Head over to their website right now and book your appointment!
Quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.Feeling weakness when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Again when quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. This time will pass.
Sarwat Makkani, MD
Yanelquis Torres, MD
Fabiola Baptiste, NP
Raga Mohamed Ali Osman
Ayesha Aslam Mughal
Sipra Talvikki Autio
Farah Jassawalla is a graduate of the Lahore School of Economics. She is also a writer, and a healthcare enthusiast, having closely observed case studies while working with Lahore's thriving general physicians at their clinics.
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Please note that these services are not intended for any emergency medical situations. If you are having a life-threatening or serious condition that may require hospitalization, including, but not limited to, high-grade fever; low or high blood pressure; active serious infection, including, but not limited to, COVID; chest pain; shortness of breath; severe pain; or stroke-like symptoms, please call 911 immediately or go to a nearby emergency center as quickly as possible.
If you do not have a physician's order for labs or non-invasive radiology services, you may request it through our network of affiliated physicians/providers in selected states for an additional non-refundable fee, as listed (asynchronous consultation). Please note that an asynchronous consultation or physician-order service for diagnostics is not available for radiology tests requiring IV contrast. Patients needing a diagnostic study with IV contrast must complete an online visit with our physician first and, likely, will also need to have a lab test for their kidney function before a diagnostic study with IV contrast can be scheduled.
Once you request our provider or physician's order service, you will receive an email from us inquiring more details about your medical history. Based on the information you provide, one of our affiliated physicians or providers will make a determination about processing the order for the requested service. In some cases, as determined by our affiliated medical team, you may be required to provide additional clinical information or may be asked to have a more detailed online visit (an additional fee may apply) before your order can be processed. Please note that in some situations, or based on available clinical information, our team may even decide not to process the requested diagnostic order service and rather may recommend you to seek immediate medical attention in person or go to the nearest urgent care or ER. In that case, any advanced payment for the diagnostic service(s) will be refunded, but the physician's consultation or order request fee will remain non-refundable.
Please also note that any post-diagnostic service follow-up visit(s) or treatment(s) is not covered in this service fee and the ordering physician is not responsible to provide any continued care unless you sign-up for that service separately. Depending on your situation or test results, you may be advised to seek consultation with either primary care or a specialist physician (local or online) for further work-up and treatment. If you are unsure or have any questions, please call our customer support service before placing an order.
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