05/13/2025
Short answer?... Yes, you have the right to refuse contrast-without judgement. In fact, most of the tests we do here are done without it!
But let’s dig in a bit…
MRI contrast is a gadolinium-based dye used to help highlight certain tissues, blood vessels, or abnormalities more clearly during your scan. So, while you can always opt out of having contrast for your MRI, it’s important to know that this might limit what radiologist can detect. Some lesions, inflammation, or tumors are just harder to see, or characterize clearly without it.
If contrast is recommended for your MRI, it’s because we believe it will provide you and your doctors with important information regarding your health and how to move forward.
If you have questions about your MRI and if contrast is necessary, we recommend having an open talk with your doctor or a clinic team member to weigh the pros and cons based on what you’re being scanned for. In the end, the choice is yours and we are here to support as you make informed decisions.