What is a breast MRI exam like?

The Aurora is designed specifically for your comfort as a woman. During the exam, you will lie on your stomach with your breasts placed in openings in the Aurora examination table so that they’re suspended away from your chest. Unlike conventional x-ray mammography, breast MRI doesn’t require your breasts to be compressed, so you shouldn’t experience that discomfort. Plus, you’ll enter the machine feet-first, which reduces feelings of claustrophobia sometimes associated with full-body MRI scanners.

You’ll receive an injection (usually in the arm) of a contrast enhancement agent called gadolinium that helps to highlight various structures in breast tissue. The gadolinium is administered through a small intravenous catheter which is placed by a certified technologist.

An initial scan will be taken and then repeated after the gadolinium is administered. For best results, you should lie very still, relax and breathe normally. The technologist can see and hear you at all times. The entire exam takes about 45 minutes.

How do I prepare for the test?

No special preparation is required. You can eat and drink as you normally would, engage in regular activities, and take any prescription medication.

Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before your appointment time. You will be asked to wear no metal from the waist down and then to change into a gown since belts, zippers, snaps, and thread in clothing may contain metal that disturbs MRI signals. We’ll ask you questions before you enter the MRI exam room to confirm that you don’t have any metal in or on your body. You’ll have to remove all metallic objects such as jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids and dentures (personal belongings can be locked in a dressing room). Please be sure to tell the technologist if you have metal implants, a cardiac pacemaker, permanent dental bridges, braces or other metal objects.

Please bring any previous studies with you.

What about after the test?
There are no side- or after-effects with MRI, so you can resume your normal activities as soon as your exam is over. The radiologist will interpret your MRI scan and report the findings to you and your doctor.

Does insurance cover breast MRI?
Most major health insurance carriers cover breast MRI. If your health plan requires you to have a written referral for this type of exam, please be sure to obtain the necessary paperwork prior to your appointment so that we can bill your carrier directly.

Questions?
If you have any questions about breast MRI or your exam, please see our Breast MRi FAQ's or call us at 479-442-6266 or 1-866-718-6266 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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