MRI SPINE SCREENING WITHOUT CONTRAST
Also Known As
SENIOR
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FAMILY
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Certified Labs
NABH Accredited
Reports in
Not specified
Measures
No description available
Identifies
No identification information available
About The Test
MRI spine screening without contrast is a quick, non-invasive scan that creates detailed pictures of your spinal bones, discs, and nerves—without using any dye. At Cadabams Diagnostics, the test is completed in 20–30 minutes and is ideal for anyone needing a first-line check-up for back or neck pain.
List of Parameters
- Spinal cord alignment – checks for straightening or curvature
- Disc height and hydration – early signs of degeneration
- Vertebral body integrity – fractures, tumors, or infections
- Nerve root impingement – pinching causing pain or numbness
Why This Test
- Early detection of herniated discs before symptoms worsen
- Evaluation of spinal stenosis (narrowing of the canal)
- Post-trauma assessment after falls or accidents
- Monitoring degenerative changes in chronic back-pain patients
When to Take Test
Benefits
Benefits of Taking the Test
- No contrast agent – safe for kidney patients and those with dye allergies
- High-resolution images – 1.5T & 3T scanners at Cadabams Diagnostics
- Quick 20–30 minute scan – minimal waiting time
- Same-day reporting – collect results within 2 hours
Illnesses Diagnosed with MRI Spine Screening without Contrast
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal canal stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Spinal tumors or infections (initial detection)
Preparing for test
Pre-Requisites
- Fasting: Not required
- Clothing: Wear cotton, no metal zippers or hooks
- Metal implants checklist: Inform staff about pacemakers, screws, or plates
Best Time to Take the Test
- Morning slots for claustrophobic patients—less crowded and calmer environment
Eligibility
- Pacemaker: Only MRI-conditional devices allowed
- Pregnancy: Post-first trimester with doctor’s consent
Procedure for Taking the Test
- Arrive 15 minutes early for registration
- Change into provided gown and lock away valuables
- Lie on the scanner table; earphones for music
- Hold still for 20–30 minutes while images are captured
- Collect preliminary images on screen; full report in 2 hours
Caution Before the Test
- Remove all jewellery, watches, and hairpins
- Inform technician about tattoos or permanent makeup (some inks contain metal)
Test Results
Results and Interpretations
| Finding / Observation | Description | General Interpretation / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Normal disc signal | Bright on T2, dark on T1 | Healthy hydration, no tears |
| Disc desiccation | Dark on T2 | Early degeneration |
| Disc bulge | Slight protrusion beyond vertebra | May press on nerves |
| Nerve compression | Loss of fat around nerve root | Explains arm/leg pain |
| Vertebral fracture | Line of low signal in bone | Needs immediate orthopaedic review |
| Thoracic Spine: Unremarkable | Normal vertebral bodies, disc heights, and spinal canal in the thoracic region. | No abnormalities detected in the mid-back. |
| Incidental Finding: Small Tarlov Cyst at S2 | Small, fluid-filled perineural cyst along the S2 nerve root. | Typically asymptomatic and discovered incidentally. Larger cysts can rarely cause symptoms like sciatica or sacral pain. |
Risks & Limitations
- No radiation risk – safe for children and pregnant women (after first trimester)
- Claustrophobia considerations – open MRI or mild sedation available at Cadabams Diagnostics
- Limitations – subtle soft-tissue inflammation may need a contrast study later
FAQs
Is MRI spine screening painful?
No. You simply lie still; there’s no injection or radiation.
How long does the scan take?
20–30 minutes for a single region; 45 minutes for whole spine.
Can I eat before the test?
Yes. Eat normally and stay hydrated.
Is it safe for children?
Absolutely. No radiation, and paediatric coils are available at Cadabams Diagnostics.
When will I get my report?
Same day—within 2 hours of completing the scan.
Do I need to fast before an MRI spine screening without contrast?
No, fasting is generally not required before an MRI Spine Screening Without Contrast. You can eat, drink, and take your usual medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your doctor or the staff at Cadabams Diagnostics. This makes preparing for MRI spine screening without dye quite simple.
What is the cost of an MRI spine screening with no contrast?
The cost of an MRI spine screening no contrast can vary depending on the specific Cadabams Diagnostics location and the extent of the spine being screened (e.g., one region vs. multiple regions). We strive to provide affordable proactive health services. Please contact Cadabams Diagnostics directly or pricing page on our website for the most current pricing information for this service.