What to bring on the day of your MRI Enteroclysis
Any recent tests related to the reason for your referral
- Previous imaging studies of the same area
- A medical note from your referring physician stating the reason for the exam
- The referral form provided by your doctor
- Any prescribed medications and a creatinine blood test, if contrast agent will be used
- A valid form of identification (e.g. ID card, passport, driver’s license) and your social security number
How the exam is performed
For your safety, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire before the exam.
Due to the strong magnetic field, all metal objects (e.g. jewelry, belts, hearing aids, glasses, removable dental prosthetics) must be removed before entering the MRI room.
You will lie on your back on a narrow table that slides into a circular scanner.
You may hear a loud humming or knocking noise during the exam, but the technician can communicate with you at all times via intercom.
The exam duration depends on the area being scanned and typically ranges between 15 and 90 minutes.
How to prepare
If an intravenous contrast agent will be administered, you must undergo a creatinine blood test within 30 days of the MRI if any of the following apply:
- You are over 65 years old
- You have a history of kidney disease
- You are receiving treatment for diabetes or hypertension
If you prefer, this test can be performed at Metropolitan Hospital on the day of the exam, but please allow 1 hour for the results to be processed.
We recommend wearing clothes and accessories (e.g. jewelry) that are easy to remove.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding:
MRI without contrast can be safely performed during pregnancy. Contrast-enhanced MRI is not contraindicated breastfeeding.
Special conditions
- If you have a known allergy to MRI contrast agents:
Please call the Radiology Department at 210 480 7082.
Your doctor may prescribe preventive medication. A typical premedication protocol includes:
- 12 hours before the exam: 2 tablets of Medrol 16 mg
- 2 hours before the exam: 2 tablets of Medrol 16 mg
- 1 hour before the exam: 1 tablet of Zirtek 5 mg - If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator:
You may undergo the exam only if the device is MRI-compatible (MRI-conditional). In this case, it must be checked and programmed beforehand.
Please call 210 480 9171 (08:00–14:00) to schedule this.
Dietary preparation
Two days before the exam:
Avoid fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products
The day before the exam:
- After 3:00 PM, refrain from any solid foods. Clear broths and decaffeinated coffee are allowed.
- Starting at 3:00 PM, take 1 sachet of KLEAN-PREP or FORTRANS every 2 hours until 9:00 PM (4 sachets in total). Dissolve each sachet in 1–1.5L of water or clear juice (e.g. apple juice) and drink it.
On the day of the exam:
You may take your regular medications at the usual time, but only with clear fluids (e.g. water, apple juice).
When to arrive
Please arrive 1.5 hours before your scheduled appointment to allow time for mannitol administration and preparation.
After the exam
You may resume your regular activities immediately after the exam.
It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to help eliminate the contrast agent from your system.
If you have a pacemaker or defibrillator, the device’s settings must be restored after the exam.
When and how you will receive your results
On the day of your exam, the front desk will inform you of the estimated date your results will be ready. Your report will be sent to the email you provide, and you can also access both the report and images via the My Ygeia app.