Do I have a right to refuse to have gadolinium during my MRI?

Question

I have several allergies and have a documented allergy to IV contrast. I don't want the gadolinium.

Answer 1

yes, u can refuse any medical precedure that u want it is ur body and ur right to reuse anything

Answer 2

Yes, of course you can refuse it. But know that the test may not show what the doctor needs to see to make a diagnosis, or evaluate the severity of the problem. You should know that most people with contrast-allergies are allergic to the iodine in the dye used for Cat scans. Gadolinium is a completely different compound, and there is a good chance you are NOT allergic to it. If you really need the test, I recommend you getting allergies testing for Gadolinium. At any rate, you should talk to your doctor about the necessity of this test.

Answer 3

You can refuse it, but then the doctor might refuse to do the test. This does not mean he/she is being confrantational or anything, just that the test may be worthless without the contrast. Gadolinium is much less likely to cause an allergic reaction and sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. I've heard of people going on steroid therapy prior to getting something that they may be allergic to if it is essential that they have the procedure done.

http://www.mrsc.ucsf.edu/breast/gadolinium.html

Answer 4

You absolutely can refuse. A consent form must be presented to you before gad can be administered. Note that gadolinium is chemically completely different than iodinated CT contrast, and reactions to gadolinium are exceedingly rare.

Answer 5

I have to be honest. I am surprised that you are worried more about your lips being numb rather than the fact that the doctors are scanning your brain and injecting fluids into it. I have a question for you. Do you go to the doctors with alot of symptoms and then the doctor hands you a prescription and says you're fine, you're just suffering from anxiety??? You might be suffering from hypochondria. May I suggest a "pill"? It's called the "Gos-pill"! In the bible it is written 365 times, "Fear not." or "Be not afraid" or some way or another, God is saying don't be afraid, 365 times! That is once for each day! Anxiety is a type of fear. And fear is the greatest weapon an enemy can use for defeat! I won't say I hope you feel better, because in truth, I hope you feel healed and whole. Blessings on you!

Answer 6

I am allergic to IV contrast too and I had a cat scan with no IV and no problems, see if that can be used instead.

Answer 7

yes you do, they may not have the picture they want. But when it comes to your medical needs you always have a right to refuse or ask for a second opinion, trust me docs do it all the time.

Answer 8

you have a right to refuse absolutely anything and don't ever forget it