Preparations – MR Urography

If you are scheduled for an MR urography exam at SMIL, you will be asked to wear a gown during the exam.

In order to distend your urinary bladder, you may be asked to drink water prior to the examination, and also not to urinate until after the scan is complete. However, guidelines about eating and drinking before an MRI exam vary with the specific exam. For some types of exams, you will be asked to fast for eight to 12 hours. Unless you are told otherwise, you may follow your regular daily routine and take medications as usual.

If you are scheduled to undergo MR urography at SMIL, you may have contrast material injected intravenously for the exam. The SMIL radiologist or technologist may ask if you have asthma or allergies of any kind, such as an allergy to gadolinium drugs, certain foods or the environment.

The radiologist should also know if you have any serious health problems or if you have recently had surgery. Some conditions, such as severe kidney disease, may prevent you from being given gadolinium for an MRI. If there is a history of severe kidney disease, it may be necessary to perform a blood test to determine whether the kidneys are functioning adequately.

Women should always inform their SMIL radiologist or technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.