What is the 'contrast' with an MRI? & how much of an allergen is it?

[KatyMac]

I have many and varied allergies (metals, plastic, rubbers, toiletries etc - I get a rash or blisters that generally go with a good antihistamine)

Everytime I have gone for any scan with contrast. They have said I can't have it because I might be allergic to it

So MRI booked - do I keep quiet this time and not mention my allergies (take an antihistamine before) or do I have yet another scan without the contrast and worry that they can't see everything properly (again)

The contrast varies depending on what scan it is for MRI I think, and it's different from the contrast they use in CT (which is always iodine). DEFINITELY don't lie about your allergies or anything else on the safety checklist.

I wasn't going to lie exactly just not mention it

I'll be good - I just wonder how much they see if they don't do it (pelvis and abdomen - I have a 'mass' and a bulge in different places)

And I wonder how much they have missed over the years

It's probably best to contact the radiology department ahead of the date and let them know so it's not a big surprise on the day. If it turns out that contrast isn't appropriate then at least they have time to think about doing something else. As above, the contrast depends on the scan.

Please do let them know, if they think there’s a good chance you might be allergic but still need the scan they may take extra precautions such as have a doctor or extra nurse present while you have the scan.

I only have the appointments letter - is it easy enough to find the telephone number - I can ring on Monday (appt wed) it always feels so fraudulent as I never have it so I don't know I'm allergic...

I could really do with getting this sorted - I don't fit in 3/4 of my clothes!

I have had MRI with Gadolinium contrast in the past, the dye was injected through a canula halfway through the scans, the dye is excreted by the kidneys after I think I was told, I think they may be some other contrast agents. Complete the checklist and ring if you have a query. Good luck OP

The contrast used for MRI is usually gadolinium.

By all means phone them, but please don’t lie by omission when asked the allergy questions. The allergy questions are in place to help the radiologists decide whether an allergic reaction caused by the contrast is likely to happen or not. And if reactions do tend to happen, they can be quite severe.

I'm fine with MRI contrast

I'm not fine with CT contrast, as we discovered when I had a severe reaction - while in the scanner.

Do tell them, if they don't think it's safe they won't give it to you and at least they can be prepared for a possible reaction if they do. Reactions like that are terrifying at the best of times but even more so when you're in a room alone in a big whizzy machine!

Oh I will behave I am a total rule follower

The conversation normally goes "I have allergies to metals, rubbers, plastics and things like toiletries"
"well you can't have this then"
"look I want to know you can see everything you need too"
"we can't risk you haveing a reaction"

It's daft I even reacted to the stuff they clean the mammogram machine in between people & that has to be just an antiibac spray or wipes or something

My last MRI I was just asked to drink two glasses of pineapple juice. Was a bit random. Was for abdomen (pancreas/gallbladder issues)

Bugger I'm not allowed Pineapple juice

Lets hope they don't do that or an allergic reaction will be least of their problems I wonder how long it takes to decontaminate an MRI machine/room

I was referred for a CT scan with contrast but they wouldn't do it because I have multiple allergies, am hypothyroid and the medium was iodine based. No alternative offered.

I really wouldn’t risk it. Won’t the contrast go IV? If so you could have a pretty dramatic allergic reaction to it.

If it's a sensitivity (itchy rash) rather than an allergy ( more serious, dangerous reaction) maybe tell them this.

Sensitivity - that's a great word, I don't think it's a proper allergy anyway

If it makes you feel better, quite a lot of women react to the wipes used to clean the mammo equipment, I think because they don't leave it to dry before using at again.

The woman was really surprised I thought I might be 'sensative' tp it as it was hypoallergenic!

An MRI scanner would be a really bad place to have a severe allergic reaction...

I have had only a CT with radioactive iodine contrast dye and despite having one in 1970 for a test on my Thyroid gland with no adverse effects under an isotope scanner , I had a violent reaction to the CT dye a year ago. Was told they could give me anti histamines and steroids beforehand but could not guarantee it wouldn't happen again.

Have had one MRI but no contrast dye .
Nobody else had an allergic reaction, it was only me.

Ideally you’d get them to test you with it in advance. Could that be an option?

The gadolinium contrast used in MRI is very different to the iodine based contrast in CT. It is usually better tolerated than CT contrast.
Of note though- not that many MRI scans need contrast whereas the majority of CT scans do.

Shit I forgot to ring this morning; I was too busy stressing about the appointment they made this morning to go in on Friday to discuss the results

I rang them & told them.....they'll let me know

They said come in anyway and they will decide tomorrow

My MRI scan was for Cartilage tear and needed no contrast dye. The CT was to examine the coronary arteries which did need it.
I know people with back pain who have had MRI with and without contrast dye, but usually try without first and if nothing shows up then they try with the contrast dye.
I think it depends where in your body is being scanned and how serious your symptoms are.

I would say try the without first, but you must tell them about your extensive allergies. They may not be the same type.

I was told they could give me the steroids and antihistamines before which could stop it but could'not guarantee it.
Good luck.