St. Joseph Hospital

Department of Radiology

What is a MRI Abdomen, MRCP (Cholangiopancreatography), MRA Abdomen, MRI Pelvis, and a MRA Pelvis? Magnetic resonance imaging (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. MRI does not use ionizing radiation (X-rays). An MRI of the Abdomen and Pelvis shows your internal organs such as your stomach, pancreas, liver, spleen, kidneys, uterus, and bladder. A MRCP (Cholangiopancreatography) shows your gallbladder and bile duct. A Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA) visualizes the vessels such as arteries, veins and other structures. Sometimes IV contrast media is used to show these vessels. Before your scan

Please notify the staff if you have a cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clip, or any implanted device. It is important to know the make and model of the implant.

Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to your exam. Continue to take prescribed medications (with a sip of water) on the day of the exam, unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.

You may receive an injection of IV contrast media. IV contrast media is used to help visualize certain structures in the body.

You may be asked to have some lab work drawn prior to your test.

Please fill out the online Medication Reconciliation form and MRI screening questionnaire. Please bring these to your appointment.

Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.

The technologist will ask you questions about your overall health or any medications you take.

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant please advise the technologist.

Please arrive early as instructed for your appointment.

Please register at the St. Joseph Hospital Outpatient Pavilion on the 1ST FLOOR. During your scan You will be asked to fill out an MRI screening questionnaire to identify any metal inside your body such as surgical implants or devices, shrapnel, or metal shavings in your eyes. Many devices, despite containing metal, can be safely imaged. Anyone coming with you into the

MRI room must also be screened for metal. You will be asked to put on a gown and store your belongings in a locker. The technologist will position you on the exam table and provide earplugs or music. This will help reduce the loud knocking sound during your scan. It is important to hold still during your exam as motion makes the images blurry. The technologist will always be able to see and hear you.

The part of your body being scanned is placed in a special coil that increases the quality of the image. IV contrast media may be injected into your vein while on the exam table. You may be asked to hold your breath during the scan.

After your scan You may resume your normal activities. If you received IV contrast media, we recommend you drink lots of water after your test to help flush the IV contrast media out of your system. The technologist will not be able to give you any results. The results will be available to the doctor who ordered the scan within one to two business days. Thank you We are honored that you have selected St. Joseph Hospital to serve your healthcare needs.