Breast MRI

You may have your procedure as an outpatient. This means you go home the same day. Or it may be done as part of a longer stay in the hospital. The way the procedure is done may vary. It depends on your condition and your healthcare provider’s methods. In most cases, the breast MRI will follow this process:

You’ll be asked to remove your clothes and given a hospital gown or scrubs to wear. You may be asked to remove jewelry or other objects.

If your procedure will be done with contrast dye, an IV (intravenous) line will be started in your hand or arm.

You’ll lie face down on a mobile bed. Your breasts will be positioned through cushioned openings. The bed will then be moved into the magnet of the MRI machine. Pillows or straps may be used to prevent movement during the procedure.

The technologist will be in a separate room inside the larger MRI room where the scanner controls are located. You’ll be in constant sight of the technologist through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will let the technologist talk with you. You can let the technologist know if you have any problems during the procedure.

You’ll be given earplugs or a headset to wear to help block out the noise from the scanner.

During the scan, you’ll hear a loud clicking noise. You’ll need to lie still. Any movement can cause problems with the quality of the scan.

At times, you may be told to hold your breath for a few seconds.

If contrast dye is used for your procedure, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. You may have a flushing sensation or coldness, a salty or metallic taste in your mouth, a brief headache, itching, nausea, or vomiting. These effects usually only last for a few moments.

Your breasts may feel slightly warm, but this is normal.

Tell the technologist if you have any breathing trouble, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations.

Once the scan has been completed, the table will slide out of the scanner and you’ll be helped off the table.

If an IV was inserted for contrast dye, it’ll be removed.