MRI Urogram (MRI of Abdomen/Pelvis for Kidneys Ureters and Bladder)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. MRI uses a powerful magnetic field, radio waves and a computer to produce detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone and virtually all other internal body structures.

Preparation

• No solid food by mouth for 4 hours prior to your test time.
• Drink 32 oz of clear liquid (water, juice, pop, etc.) beginning 1 hour prior to your test. You may bring your beverage with you to the exam.
• Leave all valuables at home.
• You may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual, with a small amount of water if needed.
• If you have any medication patches, nicotine patches, continuous glucose monitors, or Neulasta, you will need to remove these before having your exam.
• If you are currently breastfeeding, please do so before arriving to your appointment.
• Arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment with an order/paperwork if your doctor has given one to you, insurance card, identification and a list of your current medications.
• Bring product ID card for any implantable devices.
• You will be asked to remove all clothing and piercings, including permanent piercings, hair pins, magnetic lashes, etc. and change into a hospital-approved gown for the exam.

Considerations

• If you have metallic or electronic devices implanted in your body, you must have documentation stating what they are.

Procedure

• You will be positioned on a movable examination table.
• You will be given earplugs to reduce the noise of the scanner, which can be very noisy.
• A device that contains coils may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.
• You will be asked to remain still during the exam.
• The movable table will slide into the MRI scanner.
• You will be given breathing instructions throughout your exam and asked to hold your breath.
• Part way through the exam, the technologist will give you an injection of contrast material in a vein in your arm, and they will let you know when you will start feeling this.
• You may feel a cooling sensation in your arm from the injection.
• The technologist will then run additional scans to complete your exam.