An MRI with contrast is much like a regular MRI, but a nurse or technologist gives contrast through an IV so the radiologist can obtain additional images. The exact preparation and timing depend on the body part, exam, and facility, so follow your appointment instructions and ask the imaging team about anything that conflicts with general guidance. This is general information, not an assessment of your personal risks or scan results.
What should I do before an MRI with contrast?
Read the instructions from your imaging center rather than assuming that preparation for another MRI applies. Some exams require fasting or other steps; others do not. RadiologyInfo’s general guidance is to take your usual food and medicines unless your doctor or imaging facility tells you otherwise. RadiologyInfo’s MRI preparation guidance was reviewed June 15, 2026.
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The imaging team may ask about your kidney health or request a blood test to assess kidney function. Whether a test is needed and when it is done depend on your health, exam, local policy, and clinical judgment. If you have kidney disease or a kidney transplant, tell both the clinician who ordered the scan and the imaging team; do not decide on your own whether contrast is appropriate.
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Before entering the scanner room, tell staff about any prior reaction to gadolinium contrast, kidney or liver disease, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, breastfeeding, implanted device, metal fragment, or other metal in your body. Bring an implant card if you have one. Some implants can be scanned only under specific conditions, so staff need to identify them before the exam. See the MRI safety guidance and the FDA’s information for patients before an MRI.
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Gadolinium contrast is different from iodine-based contrast used in some X-ray and CT exams. RadiologyInfo notes that gadolinium can be used safely in people allergic to iodine contrast, but that does not replace telling staff about a previous gadolinium reaction or other allergies. Remove jewelry and other metal objects as instructed, and leave valuables at home if possible. Metal can pose a safety risk in the scanner’s strong magnetic field or affect image quality; the facility may provide a gown or scrubs.
Plan ahead for anxiety or sedation
If enclosed spaces make you anxious, tell your clinician or imaging center before the appointment. A clinician may prescribe a mild sedative. If you take one, arrange a ride and do not drive yourself home; follow the prescribing clinician’s instructions.
How do pregnancy and breastfeeding affect MRI contrast?
Tell your clinician and technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. An MRI may be performed when clinically needed, but gadolinium is not normally used during pregnancy. It should be reserved for situations where it is necessary to answer the clinical question, after review by a radiologist. RadiologyInfo’s pregnancy guidance explains that contrast is used only when necessary to answer the doctor’s questions.
If you are breastfeeding, tell the imaging clinic when scheduling. RadiologyInfo reports that guidance from the American College of Radiology and European Society of Urogenital Radiology supports continuing breastfeeding after intravenous contrast. If you have concerns or receive conflicting advice, ask the radiologist or imaging team for guidance specific to your situation. See RadiologyInfo’s contrast safety information.
What happens during an MRI with contrast?
A technologist positions you on a padded table that moves into the scanner. The machine makes loud tapping, thumping, or clicking sounds while it takes images. The facility generally provides earplugs or headphones. You need to stay still for clear images. The technologist works outside the room but can see, hear, and speak with you through an intercom; many facilities also provide a squeeze-ball or another way to signal for help.
How the IV contrast is given
If contrast is part of your exam, a nurse or technologist places an IV in a vein in your hand or arm. Often, the team takes an initial set of images, injects the contrast, and then takes more images. You may feel brief discomfort when the IV is placed, and some bruising can occur. A temporary warm feeling or unusual taste is also possible. Tell staff if a sensation becomes uncomfortable or anything feels concerning.
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How long does an MRI with contrast take?
RadiologyInfo says the entire exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of exam and the equipment used. Your appointment may take longer if the facility needs extra preparation or images. RadiologyInfo’s estimate was reviewed June 15, 2026.
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What should I expect after the scan?
The technologist removes the IV and covers the site. Staff may ask you to wait briefly while the radiologist checks whether additional images are needed. One NHS page describes a local practice of waiting about 30 minutes after a scan to check for a reaction; that is not a universal requirement. Follow the instructions from your own facility. The NHS MRI scan page describes its local practice.
If you were not sedated, RadiologyInfo says no recovery period is necessary and you can resume your usual activities and diet immediately. Mild side effects can include nausea, headache, or pain at the injection site. Hives, itchy eyes, and other allergic symptoms are very rare; report symptoms promptly to the technologist so they can arrange medical help. Follow any additional aftercare directions from your imaging team.
Gadolinium, kidney disease, and repeat scans
Tiny amounts of gadolinium can remain in the body after a contrast MRI. RadiologyInfo says no negative health effects are known, while noting that clinicians may consider retention and the particular contrast agent when deciding about repeated studies. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a rare complication associated with kidney disease, which is one reason kidney history and kidney function can matter to clinical decisions. Discuss kidney disease or a prior contrast reaction with your clinician and radiologist. See RadiologyInfo’s contrast safety information and the American College of Radiology Manual on Contrast Media.
Aftercare advice about drinking extra fluids can vary. One hospital leaflet recommends additional fluids for people with good kidney function, but that local advice should not be generalized to everyone, particularly people with fluid restrictions or kidney or heart conditions. Follow your treating team’s instructions. Cambridge University Hospitals’ aftercare leaflet gives its own guidance.
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