MRI Neck With and Without Intravenous Contrast
Magnetic resonance imaging of the neck, with and without injected contrast, helps evaluate soft tissues, blood vessels, lymph nodes, and structures in the throat.
["This scan provides detailed images of the neck and may include an injected contrast agent to highlight blood vessels and abnormal tissue."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 24841-9
- Short code
- MR Neck W contr IV
- Synonyms
- MR Neck W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 22
- Ref high
- 198
- Critical range
- — – 10000 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- CPT
- 82553
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
MRI of the neck uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the throat, surrounding soft tissues, major blood vessels, lymph nodes, and nearby structures. Images may be taken before and after an intravenous contrast agent is given.
Why might I need this test?
This scan may be used to investigate neck masses, swollen lymph nodes, persistent throat symptoms, problems with blood vessels, or the spread of a known condition. Your clinician will explain the specific reason for the examination.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a table inside the MRI scanner while the machine creates images. If contrast is used, it is usually injected into a vein in your arm; the scan may include images before and after the injection.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell the imaging team about metal implants, medication patches, pregnancy, kidney disease, or any prior reaction to contrast. You may need to avoid eating or drinking for a period and may be asked to remove jewelry, hearing devices, and other metal objects.
Reference range
Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The images may show a neck mass, enlarged lymph nodes, inflammation, infection, narrowing or irregularity of blood vessels, or involvement of nearby tissues. Findings are interpreted together with your symptoms, medical history, examination, and other tests. The radiologist's report is then used by your clinician to guide further evaluation or treatment.
Short name
MRI Neck With/Without IV Contrast
Frequently asked questions
Does this test use radiation?
Why might I need an IV contrast agent?
What should I do if I am pregnant or have kidney disease?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy