About the Scan – MR Urography

Magnetic resonance (MR) urography is performed by Southwest Medical Imaging in Arizona to obtain images of the urinary tract system. MR urography (MRU) are used as primary imaging techniques to evaluate patients with blood in the urine (hematuria), follow patients with prior history of cancers of the urinary collecting system and to identify abnormalities in patients with recurrent urinary tract infections.

During the MR urography scan, the SMIL technologist will begin by positioning you on the MRI examination table, usually lying flat on your back or possibly on your side or stomach. You may be asked to change positions during portions of the examination. Devices that contain coils capable of sending and receiving radio waves may be placed around or adjacent to the area of the body being studied.

If a contrast material will be used in the urography exam, a nurse or technologist will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm. You will be moved into the magnet of the MRI unit and the SMIL radiologist and technologist will leave the room while the MRI examination is performed.

When the examination is completed, you may be asked to wait until the SMIL technologist or radiologist checks the images in case additional images are needed. Your intravenous line will be removed.

MRI exams generally include multiple runs some of which may last several minutes.

Learn how to prepare for the scan in the abdomen MR urography section.

Find out if this procedure is right for you in the benefits and risks of MR urography section.

For a downloadable/printable PDF about this exam with preparation instructions click here.

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