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What Is an MRI without Contrast?

Alex Paul
Alex Paul

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical diagnostic technique that uses strong magnetic fields to obtain an image of the inside of a patient’s body. An MRI without contrast, which is usually referred to as a standard MRI scan, doesn’t require any medication or contrast agent to be injected into the body. Contrast-enhanced MRIs involve an injection of contrast agent to increase image sensitivity. An MRI without contrast is suitable for most conditions as long as extra detail isn’t required.

An MRI machine uses the magnetic properties of particles in the body to form an image. MRI scans are among the most detailed forms of diagnostic imaging available to doctors. A benefit of MRI scans is that they don’t require the use of ionizing radiation, which could be potentially damaging to the patient, although the machines are expensive to build and maintain.

A MRI scan of the brain, without contrast.
A MRI scan of the brain, without contrast.

A standard MRI scan is known as an MRI without contrast. This means the MRI machine takes an image of the required area without the need for a contrast substance to be injected into the body. In most situations, an MRI without contrast is all that’s required to see problems within the body, unless the affected area is very small or difficult to see.

An MRI without contrast can be used on most parts of the body. Some of the most common places to require an MRI scan include the brain and spinal cord. Joints also are often scanned to detect injuries such as damaged cartilage and torn ligaments.

Most MRI testing is done without contrast.
Most MRI testing is done without contrast.

Before undergoing the test, the patient is usually told to arrive around half an hour early. This is so the radiologist can discuss the potential problems with an MRI scan, such as if the patient has metal implants. Once the MRI machine is in use, the patient must avoid moving while the scan is taking place. The MRI takes a large number of images and they need to be clear, which is why remaining still is important.

MRI scans without contrast provide great detail, although the machines are expensive to build and maintain.
MRI scans without contrast provide great detail, although the machines are expensive to build and maintain.

In some situations, a doctor may need to see a particular area of the body in more detail, using a contrast-enhanced MRI scan. This requires an injection of contrast “dye” into the body, either via a single injection or through an intravenous drip during the scan. The purpose of the contrast substance is to identify any active problems within the body and to increase the sensitivity of the image.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

@donasmrs-- Absolutely, a herniated disc can easily be diagnosed with a standard MRI. That's how mine was diagnosed.

I think MRIs are great. They weren't available when I was young and it was difficult to get a diagnosis for things like hernias because x-rays don't show soft tissues.

SarahGen

@donasmrs-- Both an MRI without contrast and an MRI with contrast may be ordered for most conditions.

Like the article said, MRI with contrast can give more detailed images or show things that a standard MRI may not. So a doctor may first request a standard MRI and if he or she doesn't get good results from it, an MRI with contrast may be requested. MRI with contrast has better resolution and can show more details.

If a standard MRI will do the job though, a doctor is not going to order an MRI with contrast since there is a dye that has to be injected. Some people are allergic to these dyes and can have bad side effects to them. So an MRI with contrast is reserved for more sensitive and serious cases where a standard MRI is not enough.

donasmrs

What are some examples of conditions that need an MRI without contrast versus one with contrast?

Can a herniated disc be diagnosed with a standard MRI?

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    • A MRI scan of the brain, without contrast.
      By: Marcin Sadlowski
      A MRI scan of the brain, without contrast.
    • Most MRI testing is done without contrast.
      By: EPSTOCK
      Most MRI testing is done without contrast.
    • MRI scans without contrast provide great detail, although the machines are expensive to build and maintain.
      By: James Steidl
      MRI scans without contrast provide great detail, although the machines are expensive to build and maintain.
    • MRIs without contrast are often used to get an accurate picture of the brain or spinal cord.
      By: Mikhail Basov
      MRIs without contrast are often used to get an accurate picture of the brain or spinal cord.
    • An MRI with contrast may help doctors measure a small tumor to determine if treatments are working properly.
      By: Trish23
      An MRI with contrast may help doctors measure a small tumor to determine if treatments are working properly.
    • The spinal cord is an area that commonly requires an MRI if there's a suspected injury.
      By: pankajstock123
      The spinal cord is an area that commonly requires an MRI if there's a suspected injury.
    • An MRI machine uses the magnetic properties of particles in the body to form an image.
      By: EPSTOCK
      An MRI machine uses the magnetic properties of particles in the body to form an image.