An MRI, or magnetic resonance imaging, is a radiology scan that produces detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

What are MRIs for?

Your doctor may recommend an MRI to look for abnormalities in your soft tissues, like ligaments and tendons, your brain and spinal cord, or other organs. It can be used to diagnose a problem or monitor treatment.

How long does an MRI take?

MRIs typically last 15-90 minutes. The length of time depends on how much of the body is being scanned and how many images are being taken.

What does “with contrast” mean for an MRI?

During an MRI with contrast, a gadolinium- or iodine-based dye is injected into your arm prior to the procedure for better visualization of your internal organs. “Without contrast” refers to MRIs done without this dye.



Protocols are the details and plans that describe how a specific procedure will be performed. For MRIs, this usually means whether the imaging is performed with or without contrast. However, certain body parts may include other protocol options as well.

If you already have a referral, the type of protocol you need should be written directly on it. If you don’t have a referral, you can book one through Tripment Health.

With Contrast – An MRI with contrast helps radiologists get a better picture of what’s going on inside your body. Contrast can highlight abnormalities and also improve the overall clarity of the images, thus improving the accuracy of the procedure. Contrast MRIs are often ordered to examine blood flow, inflammation, and tumors.

If you order an MRI with contrast, you will be injected with a gadolinium- or iodine-based dye before the imaging procedure begins. Although it is rare, some patients report mild nausea, dizziness, or even skin rashes, though these symptoms typically resolve within an hour. Your body will eliminate this dye over the next few days, either by absorbing it or expeling it through urination.

Without Contrast – An MRI without contrast simply means you are not injected with the contrast dye. These MRIs are most often ordered to examine your organs and bones after injury, or when a patient has low-functioning kidneys or is pregnant.

With and without contrast – By selecting “with and without contrast,” your search will include results from imaging centers who provide both types of MRIs.

Arthrogram – Arthrograms are used to study joints. During arthrography, a doctor injects the contrast dye directly into the joint, then a series of images are taken of the joint in multiple positions. This can help reveal tears in the soft tissue, or other damage.

MRCP – A magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) procedure is used to examine the biliary and pancreatic system, including the liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, and pancreatic ducts. This is most commonly ordered to look for gallstones.

How do I prepare for an MRI?

Typically, you don’t need to do anything special for an MRI. Depending on the part of your body being scanned, your doctor may ask you to fast for a few hours before the procedure. Once you get to the imaging center, your doctor will ask you to remove all metal objects from your body, like jewelry, hairpins, or change from your pockets.

How do I prepare for an MRI with contrast? 

During an MRI with contrast, a gadolinium- or iodine-based dye is injected into your arm prior to the procedure for better visualization of your internal organs. You would prepare for this procedure the same way you would prepare for an MRI without contrast, except you will also receive an injection. 

Preparing a child for an MRI

MRIs are painless procedures, but they can be intimidating for children. The MRI machine makes a lot of loud, unfamiliar sounds, and the child might not be able to see the parent during the procedure. You and your child can practice lying still before the appointment, so your child can get a better idea of what to expect. In some cases, your provider may recommend sedating your child, but this is not common.