What is “contrast” or “dye,” and how will it affect me?
MRI “contrast” or “dye” is a clear, water-based fluid that contains an element called gadolinium. MRI dye has been shown to be very safe with extremely rare cases of allergic reaction. It is not used on all exams, however your doctor or the radiologist may recommend it for certain studies. After taking an initial set of pictures, the dye is injected into the bloodstream, followed by an additional set of “comparison” images. The dye contains no iodine or radioactive elements, and is flushed out of your system within a few hours.
