Do you need a referral for breast mri?

Breast MRI uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed breast images. It may be requested when other imaging needs clarification, when a clinician is assessing an established diagnosis, or when a particular risk or treatment-planning question needs answering.

The radiology team needs the clinical question, prior imaging, surgical history, and information about implants or other metal in the body. Contrast may be recommended; the imaging service will check allergies, kidney problems, and pregnancy status before the scan.

Ask your doctor or breast clinic whether MRI is the right test and which service should receive the referral. Provide earlier mammogram, ultrasound, or MRI details if available. When booking, ask about contrast, fasting, timing in relation to your menstrual cycle if relevant, and what to expect inside the scanner.

Tell the imaging team about a pacemaker, implanted device, metal fragments, kidney disease, possible pregnancy, or difficulty staying still. These details help the service plan a safe examination or offer an alternative.

Seek prompt medical assessment for a new breast lump, bloody nipple discharge, skin dimpling, nipple inversion, or rapidly increasing redness and swelling. Urgent care is needed for severe pain, faintness, high fever, or feeling very unwell; a routine MRI referral should not delay assessment of those symptoms.

Ask what question the MRI is meant to answer, whether contrast is planned, how prior images will be reviewed, when the report will be available, and who will explain the result and next step.