After your Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with contrast media

Radiology

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You have had an injection today of MRI contrast media which is a clear, colourless liquid that can be seen on your scan. Contrast media has been used to show more information on the structures inside your body. The Radiologist (X-ray Doctor) will look at the images from your scan and send a report to the healthcare professional who referred you for the test.


MRI contrast media does not usually cause any problems. In rare cases it can cause unwanted effects, and it is important that you read the following information.


During your examination you may experience a warm or cold feeling but this should wear off after your test.
 

Following your examination

If following the scan and injection you experience any of the following symptoms you may be experiencing a delayed reaction and you should seek advice from your own General Practitioner (GP) or the Urgent and Emergency Care Centre (Hospital Accident and Emergency department):
•    wheeziness, difficulty in breathing or tightness / pain in the chest
•    skin rash, lumps or itchy spots
•    a decrease in the amount of urine you pass or if it changes colour.

The following unwanted effects, are unusual, but may occur during or after your examination:
•    a change in your sense of smell or taste
•    dizziness
•    a headache
•    nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting (being sick)
•    cramps in your arms, legs or other muscles
•    loose faeces (poo)
•    pain in your joints


These are usually mild and do not last long, however, if they become severe, or last for more than 3 days, you should contact a Doctor or your GP Practice.

Further information

Having MRI contrast media does not have any known effect on your ability to drive vehicles or operate machinery.


If you are breast feeding we recommend that you express or pump and get rid of breast milk for 24 hours after the time of your examination.


If you are due a blood or urine test on the same day after your MRI contrast injection you should tell your Doctor as it may affect the results of the blood test.

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  • Page last reviewed: 30 October 2024
  • Next review due: 30 October 2025