Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Orbits with Intravenous Contrast
An MRI uses magnetic fields and intravenous contrast to produce detailed images of the eye sockets, optic nerves, and nearby tissues.
["This imaging test helps identify structural, inflammatory, or other abnormalities affecting the eyes and surrounding tissues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36820-9
- Short code
- MR Orbit W contr IV
- Synonyms
- MR Orbit W contr IV
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- mr
- 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?
This test is an MRI of the orbits, which are the eye sockets. Intravenous contrast may be given through a vein to help certain tissues, blood vessels, and abnormalities appear more clearly on the images.
Why might I need this test?
Your clinician may order it to evaluate symptoms such as vision changes, eye pain, swelling, movement problems, or symptoms around the eye. It can also help assess the optic nerves, eye muscles, and nearby tissues for inflammation, infection, masses, injury, or other structural conditions.
How is the test performed?
You will lie on a padded table that moves into an MRI scanner. The scanner makes loud knocking and vibration-like sounds, and you may be asked to remain still. If contrast is needed, it is usually injected into a vein in your arm before the images are taken.
How do I prepare for the test?
Tell the care team about metal implants, medication patches, pregnancy or breastfeeding, kidney disease, and any prior reaction to MRI contrast. Remove jewelry, watches, hair accessories, and other metal objects as instructed. Contact lenses and eye makeup may need to be removed before the examination.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings may indicate inflammation, infection, a mass, injury, or a structural or vascular problem involving the orbit or optic nerve. The results are interpreted by a radiologist together with your symptoms and other examinations. MRI findings do not always identify a single cause on their own.
Short name
MRI orbit with IV contrast
Frequently asked questions
Is this an MRI or an X-ray?
Why is contrast used?
What if I am pregnant or have had a reaction to contrast before?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy