Standard (Diagnostic) Breast MRI

Standard Breast MRI is used in addition to mammography to aid in the diagnosis and detection of breast cancers. 

Standard Breast MRI has many important uses including:

• Screening in women who are at high risk, typically because of a strong family history, for breast cancer
• Determining the extent of breast cancer
• Further evaluating abnormalities
• Evaluating breast implants

• Arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete registration.
• Bring your insurance card and a valid photo ID.
• Let us know about any of the following:

- Any metal in your body (Review the MRI metal safety checklist here)
- Claustrophobia
- Kidney problems
- Pregnancy - known or possible
- Previous reactions to MRI contrast
- Recent chemotherapy (within 30 days)

Standard Breast MRI exams typically take 1 hour.

You will be asked to change into a gown or scrubs. Jewelry, watches, hair clips and possibly dentures will need to be removed. All personal items will be kept in a secure locker outside of the MRI room. The technologist will give you headphones so you can listen to music during the exam-you may bring a favorite CD with you or listen to a radio station of your choice.

The technologist will place an IV in your arm and position you on your stomach on the scanning table. Your breasts are placed into a depression in the table, which contains coils that detect the magnetic signal.

After an initial series of images have been taken, contrast will be injected into the IV line, and an additional set of images will be captured by the MRI scanner. There is no pain associated with a breast MRI. 

There are no restrictions after your exam. You can resume your regular diet and activities.

Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist (physician) who specializes inbreast imaging. A report will be sent to your healthcare provider, who will then contact you to discuss the results.