MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvis

• You can print and fill out the MRI Questionnaire and the MRI and Pregnancy form, if applicable, from the Pre-Registration Questionnaire page before arriving to speed the registration process.
• You should not have anything to eat or drink for three hours before the exam start time.
• If you are claustrophobic (fearful of small, enclosed areas) or experience pain when lying on your back for more than 30 minutes, your referring physician may prescribe a relaxant or pain medication to help you through the exam. The imaging physicians at Cedars-Sinai cannot prescribe such medications for you.
• If you plan to take relaxation medication before your exam, it is our policy that you come with someone who can drive you home.
• For studies that involve IV contrast: If you have veins that are small or hard to find, or have a port, please arrive 60 minutes before your scheduled arrival time.
• If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.
• We want to make any time you may have to wait as pleasant as possible. Please consider bringing your favorite magazine, book or music player to help you pass any time you may need to wait.
• You may also bring a CD to listen to during the procedure. We will provide you with headphones and a CD player.
• Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
• Please wear comfortable clothing.

• You must tell the technologist, radiology nurse, and/or imaging physician of any allergies you may have, and if you are pregnant or are nursing.
• You will be asked to complete a questionnaire which will determine if an MRI is safe for you. People with various implants (usually metallic) or with metal in their bodies (including some tattoos) may have difficulty with an MRI, which utilizes a strong magnetic field. The imaging physician needs to be informed of any of these potential problems.

• You will change into a hospital gown.
• You will lie on the scanning table headfirst with arms at your side.
• Coils (special devices to improve image quality) may be placed on or around your abdomen.
• The scanning table will slide your whole body into the magnet.
• During the scan, earplugs will be provided to help mask the noise (intermittent humming, thumping, clicking and knocking) and allow you to listen to music.
• In most cases, the imaging physician requests a contrast agent (dye) to improve the quality of the images. The dye is injected into a vein in the arm and may cause a cool sensation.
• As pictures are taken, you must hold very still, and in some cases hold your breath up to 25 seconds.
• The technologist is always able to see and hear you during the exam.

Exam Duration

• MRI abdomen: 45 minutes
• MRI pelvis: 45 minutes
• MRI abdomen and pelvis: 60 minutes
• MRA abdomen: 30 minutes
• MRA pelvis: 30 minutes
• MRI/MRA abdomen and pelvis: 75 minutes

• There are no restrictions placed upon you. You may eat or drive as normal, although if you took relaxation medication, you will need someone to drive you home.
• Your films will be examined by an imaging physician and a report sent to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.
• To request a copy of your images or your report, please call 310-423-8000, option 2 or submit an online request.