An MRI with contrast is much like a standard MRI, with an intravenous (IV) injection of gadolinium-based contrast material when it is needed to answer the diagnostic question. You will be screened for safety, positioned in a noisy scanner, and asked to stay still; many exams take 30 to 60 minutes from start to finish. Preparation and observation instructions vary by exam and imaging facility, so follow your appointment instructions and ask your clinician or imaging team about anything that conflicts with general guidance.
What should I do before an MRI with contrast?
Check the instructions from your imaging facility rather than assuming that every MRI requires fasting or the same preparation. For many exams, usual food and medicines are fine unless your doctor or the facility tells you otherwise. Some scans have specific eating, drinking, medication, blood-test, or observation instructions. RadiologyInfo’s MRI preparation guidance, reviewed June 15, 2026, advises taking food and medications as usual unless instructed otherwise.
Tell the ordering clinician and imaging team about kidney disease, a kidney transplant, liver disease, a previous reaction to gadolinium contrast, pregnancy or possible pregnancy, and breastfeeding. The team may request a blood test to assess kidney function, depending on your health, the exam, and local practice. Do not decide on your own to skip contrast or a scheduled scan because of kidney concerns; ask the clinician or radiologist how the exam’s benefit and your individual circumstances factor into the plan.
Screening for implants and metal
Before entering the scanner room, disclose implanted devices, metal fragments, or other metal in your body. Bring an implant identification card if you have one. Some devices can be scanned only under specific MRI conditions, so staff need to identify and verify them before the exam. Follow instructions about removing jewelry and other metal objects; facilities may provide a gown or scrubs if needed. The magnetic field can make some objects unsafe or damage devices, and metal can affect image quality. See RadiologyInfo’s MRI safety guidance and the FDA’s MRI information for patients.
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Allergies and prior contrast reactions
Tell staff specifically about any previous reaction to gadolinium. Gadolinium contrast is different from the iodine-based contrast used in some X-ray and CT exams. RadiologyInfo notes that a history of allergy to iodine contrast does not, by itself, mean gadolinium cannot be used; it does not remove the need to report a prior gadolinium reaction or other allergies. The radiologist and imaging team can assess what is appropriate for your exam.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Tell your clinician and the imaging team if you are pregnant or could be pregnant. MRI may be performed when clinically needed, but gadolinium is not normally used during pregnancy. It should be reserved for situations in which it is necessary to answer the clinical question, after radiologist review. RadiologyInfo’s pregnancy guidance explains that contrast is used only if necessary to answer the doctor’s questions.
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If you are breastfeeding, mention it when scheduling or before the scan. RadiologyInfo reports that guidance from the American College of Radiology and the European Society of Urogenital Radiology supports continuing breastfeeding after IV contrast. If you have questions or receive conflicting advice, ask the radiologist or imaging team for guidance specific to you. See RadiologyInfo’s contrast-material guidance.
Claustrophobia or anxiety
Let the imaging center know ahead of time if enclosed spaces make you anxious. A clinician may prescribe a mild sedative. If you take one, arrange for someone else to drive you home and follow the clinician’s instructions about driving and recovery.
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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 collects images. Earplugs or headphones are generally provided, and the technologist can see and hear you and speak through an intercom. Many facilities also give you a squeeze-ball or another signal to request help. Staying still helps produce clear images.
If contrast is part of your exam, a nurse or technologist places an IV, usually in a vein in your hand or arm. Often, the team takes an initial set of images, injects the contrast, and then takes additional images. The IV needle may cause brief discomfort or bruising. You may notice a temporary warm feeling or an unusual taste after the injection. Tell staff if a sensation is uncomfortable or if you experience anything that concerns you.
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How long does it take?
RadiologyInfo says the entire exam usually takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the type of exam and equipment. The exact time varies, and preparation, IV placement, or any additional images can affect how long you are at the facility.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What happens after the scan?
The technologist removes the IV and covers the site. Staff may ask you to wait briefly while the radiologist checks whether more images are needed. Waiting practices vary: the NHS describes one local practice of observing patients for about 30 minutes, but this is not a universal requirement. Follow the instructions at your imaging facility.
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When can I resume normal activities?
If you have not been sedated, RadiologyInfo says no recovery period is necessary and you can resume your usual activities and diet immediately. If you were given a sedative, follow the clinician’s specific recovery and transportation instructions. Follow any other directions from the imaging team, including advice about fluids; extra-fluid guidance may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly people with kidney or heart conditions or fluid restrictions.
What symptoms should I report?
Mild side effects can include nausea, headache, or pain at the injection site. Hives, itchy eyes, or other allergic symptoms are described as very rare. Report concerning symptoms promptly to the technologist or another member of the imaging team so they can assess you and arrange medical help if needed.
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 repeat exams. Nephrogenic systemic fibrosis is a rare complication associated with kidney disease; this is one reason your kidney history and, when appropriate, kidney-function testing may matter. Your clinician and radiologist can weigh these factors against the information the scan is expected to provide. More detail is available in RadiologyInfo’s contrast-material guidance and the ACR Manual on Contrast Media.
Quick Recap
Questions to ask the imaging team
- Do I need to fast, change my medicines, or have a kidney-function blood test?
- What information should I provide about an implant, prior contrast reaction, kidney condition, pregnancy, or breastfeeding?
- Will I receive a sedative, and if so, what transportation and recovery arrangements should I make?
- How long should I expect to be at the facility, and do you want me to wait afterward?
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