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Before the test, your doctor may:

• Ask about your medical history
• Perform a physical exam
• Do blood tests

If your doctor prescribes a sedative:

• Arrange for a ride home.
• Do not eat or drink for at least four hours before the exam.
• Take the sedative 1-2 hours before the exam, or as directed.

At the MRI center, you will be asked if you have something in your body that would interfere with the MRA, such as:

• Pacemaker or implantable defibrillator
• Neurostimulator
• Ear implant
• Metal fragments in your eyes or in any other part of your body
• Implanted port device, such as an insulin pump
• Metal plate, pins, screws, or surgical staples
• Metal clips from aneurysm repair
• Retained bullets
• Any other large metal objects in your body

You may be:

• Given earplugs or headphones to wear. The MRI machine makes a loud banging noise.
• Given an injection of a contrast dye into your vein.
• Allowed to have a family member or friend with you during the test.

If contrast is used, a small IV needle will be inserted into your hand or arm before you are moved into the MRI machine. The contrast will be injected during one set of images. It helps to make some organs and vessels easier to see on the pictures. You might have an allergic reaction to the dye, but this is rare

You will lie on a special table. This table will be moved inside the opening of the MRI machine. Most MRIs consist of 2-6 sets of images. Each one will take between 2-15 minutes. You will need to lie still while the images are being taken. You may need to hold your breath briefly. Technicians will communicate with you through an intercom from another room.

• You will be asked to wait at the facility while the images are examined. The technician may need more images.
• If you took a sedative, do not drive or operate machinery until it wears off.
• If you are breastfeeding and receive contrast dye, you and your doctor should discuss when you should restart breastfeeding. Information available has not found any ill effects to the baby if a breastfeeding mother has had contrast dye.
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

40-90 minutes

The test is painless. If contrast is used, you may experience a stinging sensation when the IV is inserted.

Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and any treatment you may need.