How to prepare and what to expect
This page explains how an MRA scan works, how it is done, how to prepare for it, what to expect, and how to get your results.
An MRA image of blood vessels
What is MRI?
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a way to take pictures of your internal organs and tissues. It uses radio waves and a strong magnet to provide clear and detailed pictures. Even different types of tissue can easily be seen in an MRI picture.
MRA is an MRI exam of the blood vessels. MRA can find and diagnose heart disorders, stroke risk, and blood vessel diseases. It can also be used to help your doctor treat these conditions.
MRA takes detailed pictures of your blood vessels. Your doctor may want you to have an injection of a contrast called Gadolinium to make the images even more clear.
How does the scan work?
An MRA usually involves taking 2 or more sets of pictures. Each set lasts 2 to 6 minutes and will show a different part of your body.
For Your Safety
We need to know about certain
health conditions before we give you an MRI scan. Please tell us if you:
- Have any problems with your liver or kidneys
- Need a liver or kidney transplant
- Are on dialysis
- Have allergies to any drugs or contrast
- Have had any surgeries
- Are pregnant or may be pregnant
We also need to know if you have any
metal in or on your body before we give you an MRI scan. The strong MRI magnet will pull on any
ferromagnetic object, such as iron and some other metals.
If you have any metal on or in your body, an MRI can harm you. Even small amounts that will not harm your body can distort the MRI picture.
Please tell MRI staff if you have:
- Aneurysm clips, a heart pacemaker (or artificial heart valve), an implanted port, an infusion catheter (with brand names such as Port-o-cath, Infusaport, or Lifeport), an intrauterine device (IUD), any metal plates, clips, pins, screws, or surgical staples, a prosthetic hip, or any implanted metal object in your body
In most cases, surgical staples, clips, plates, pins, and screws are not a risk during MRI if they have been in place for more than 4 to 6 weeks. If there is any question of metal fragments, an X-ray may be done to check for them.
- Tattoos or permanent eyeliner
- Medicine patches
- A bullet or shrapnel in your body
- Ever worked with metal
remove any other items that might contain metal and affect your MRI pictures. These include:
- Glasses, hearing aids, and any removable dental work
How is the scan done?
- You will lie on a sliding table. The MRI technologist will help get you into position.
- A device called a
surface coil will be placed around your body.
- The technologist will slide the table inside the MRI unit and then leave the room to take the MRI pictures.
- You will be able to talk with the technologist at any time through an intercom.
- We will ask you to hold very still as each picture is taken. We may also ask to hold your breath for some of the pictures.
- The scan usually takes 20 to 60 minutes. It may take longer if the radiologist has asked for extra images.
- Sometimes, an injection of a
contrast is used to make certain tissues or blood vessels easier to see. If you need the contrast:
- Your doctor will talk with you about it before your scan.
- You will receive the injection about halfway through the scan.
- It will be injected through a small needle and an
intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand vein.
- After the scan, you will be asked to wait until the pictures are checked for quality. More pictures will be taken, if needed.
- When your scan is over, the surface coil will be removed.
What will I feel during the scan?
- MRI does not cause pain.
- Some patients may feel confined or uneasy (claustrophobic) when they are inside the MRI unit. Please tell the doctor who referred you for the MRI if you are claustrophobic. You may receive medicine to help you relax.
- You may notice a warm feeling in the area where the pictures are taken. This is normal. If it bothers you, please tell the MRI technologist.
- You will hear loud tapping or knocking noises during the scan. We will provide earplugs and headphones with music to help block some of these sounds.
- If a contrast injection is needed, you may feel discomfort or coolness at the injection site.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist skilled in MRI will review and interpret your MRI images. The radiologist will not talk with you about the results, but will send a report to your primary care or referring doctor. This doctor will give you the results.
Your questions are important. Call your doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions or concerns.
- UWMC Imaging Services: 206.598.6200
- UW Roosevelt Radiology: 206.598.6868
- Harborview Imaging Services: 206.744.3105