Is the contrast agent in MRI safe for the person doing the scan?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Nguyen Viet Thu - Doctor of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine - Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Nuclear Medicine - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Contrast drugs used in magnetic resonance imaging techniques are safe, rare side effects, if any, side effects are usually mild and transient. However, it is necessary to ensure safe procedures, prevent allergies and kidney failure for patients at risk.

1. Is magnetic contrast medicine in an MRI safe for the person taking it?

Magnetic contrast agents are used quite commonly in medicine, this is a drug that is assessed to be safe, with the main ingredient being Gadolinium used in MRI to change the magnetism of water molecules, and at the same time improve the quality of MRI images.
The magnetic contrast agent in MRI will cause less allergic reactions than the iodine-based contrast agent used in CT and X-ray methods. In rare cases, the patient is allergic to the contrast agent with some symptoms such as: Itchy eyes, hives, dizziness... The symptoms of this drug allergy are usually mild, so it will be easy. treated and eliminated by medical intervention.
In the case of pregnant women, contrast injections are only performed when absolutely necessary. But if a woman is breast-feeding, she should stop breastfeeding for 24 hours after the injection of contrast agent, and should drink plenty of water to filter out the drug through the urine faster.
Magnetic contrast agents used in magnetic resonance imaging techniques are safe, rare side effects, if encountered, side effects are usually mild and transient.
Contrast drugs used in MRI techniques can also be used for subjects who cannot take CT with magnetic contrast agents such as: Children, people with kidney failure... But most importantly It is still necessary to ensure safe procedures, prevent allergies and kidney failure for patients at risk.

2. What should I do if I have an allergy to contrast since I have an MRI scan?

If you are allergic to contrast agents, you should notify your medical staff for instructions on how to handle them. Some of the following symptoms may be signs of a contrast agent allergy after injection or within a few hours:
Common allergy symptoms: Signs of itching, hives on the whole body or in certain areas . In addition, there may be a feeling of heat from the hands spreading to the face and neck, taste disturbances and anxiety ... This allergy case is quite mild, it may not need medical intervention but it will disappear after a short while.

Rare allergic symptoms: In some cases, people using contrast agents from MRI scans may experience allergic symptoms such as excessive vomiting, shortness of breath, hives and generalized itching or more dangerous. hypotension and bronchospasm. These allergic cases require medical monitoring and symptomatic treatment. Rare Allergic Symptoms: Severe allergic reactions to contrast agents are rare, but they are very dangerous and require urgent medical intervention. When suffering from a severe allergic reaction to contrast agents, in addition to the above signs, the patient is also accompanied by severe shortness of breath, low blood pressure, generalized convulsions leading to impaired consciousness, cardiac arrhythmia or even death. death from cardiac arrest. As soon as the above signs appear, the patient quickly informs the medical staff for monitoring and intervention. If there are mild allergic symptoms, you can monitor and use topical treatment. However, if in case of severe allergic reaction, the patient should be transferred to the emergency department to manage anaphylaxis and prevent dangerous complications.

3. Note when taking MRI with magnetic contrast medicine

In order for the process of MRI with magnetic contrast medicine to be safe and effective for the patient, the doctor and the patient should note a few basic things as follows:
Before injecting the contrast agent, the patient should Patients should fast for 4-6 hours and drink enough water. Do not use stimulants such as alcohol, tobacco, coffee... before taking pictures. If you are taking medication for treatment, you should inform your doctor for specific instructions to be effective when taking pictures. Before taking an MRI with magnetic contrast, you should not wear makeup, use hair glue, or wear metal jewelry to avoid itching and noise during the scan. In case the patient has ever had heart or vascular surgery, aneurysm metal clamp, gas-cutting metal tube, bone nail, metal steel plate in the body, etc., before injecting the contrast agent, the patient should notify the patient. let the medical staff of the imaging room know. If the patient has a history of allergies or allergies to drugs, kidney failure, etc., they should notify the doctor in advance. In cases where the patient is not awake, difficult to control his consciousness, it is necessary to use anesthetic drugs.

In addition, during the imaging process, the patient needs to lie still, in the correct position for the most detailed and clear images. In addition, during the shooting times, the technician may ask the patient to hold their breath, not to swallow saliva, so please cooperate to get the best quality photos.
In short, to get the most accurate results, patients need to go to a reputable hospital to conduct an MRI or any other imaging tool. Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the leading prestigious hospitals in the country, trusted by a large number of patients for medical examination and treatment. Not only has the physical system, modern equipment: 8 ultrasound rooms, 6 DR X-ray rooms (1 full-axis scanner, 1 brightener, 3 synthesizers and 1 mammography machine) , 2 mobile DR X-ray machines, 2 multi-row CT scanner rooms (1 512 series and 1 256 series), 2 Magnetic resonance imaging rooms (2 3 Tesla machines), 1 angiography room 2 levels of intervention, 1 interventional angiography room with Angio CT Toshiba Aquilion One machine and 1 bone mineral density measurement room.... Vinmec is also a place to gather a team of experienced doctors and nurses who will support greatly assist in the diagnosis and early detection of abnormal signs of the patient's body. In particular, with a space designed according to hospital and hotel standards, Vinmec ensures to bring patients the most comfort, friendliness and peace of mind.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.