MRCP Test Price, Purpose, Result & Sample Report [2024]
MRCP test is a special MRI Scan used for diagnosing diseases related to the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts, and pancreatic duct. MRCP test full form is Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography. MRCP Test cost ranges from Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 in India.
It is a non-invasive and painless MRI scan which uses magnetic imaging for the scan. The total scan takes about 30-40 minutes.
Some of the common symptoms and diagnoses where it is helpful are
- Unexplained abdominal pain
- Detect stones or tumours
- Swelling or inflammation
- Infection
“MRCP” Stands for?
- The ‘MR’ stands for Magnetic Resonance and is a scientific technique of producing images with the help of magnetic fields and computer-generated radio waves.
- The ‘C’ stands for cholangiography, indicating the imaging of the bile vessel. A bile vessel is an organ closely situated to the liver and collects bile juices.
- The ‘P’ stands for ‘Pancreatography’ and denotes the imaging of the Pancreas. The Pancreas produces enzymes that are helpful for the regulation of sugar metabolism and other digestive roles.
MRCP Test details in Brief
Also known as | MR cholangiopancreatography |
Purpose | Diagnosis of diseases related to the liver, pancreas, gall bladder, bile ducts, and pancreatic duct |
Preparation | No special preparation is required |
Fasting | Fasting 4 hours before the test |
Reporting time | 8 to 24 hours |
Cost | Rs 3000 to Rs 8000 |
MRCP Test Price
MRCP Test price depends on the diagnostic centre, city and quality of the MRI Scan machine and reputation of the diagnostic centre. Usually, it ranges from Rs 3000 to Rs 8000.
Diagnostic Centre/ Hospital | Indicative price |
---|---|
Dr Lal pathlabs | Not available |
Apollo Hospital | Rs 7000 – Rs 8000 |
City X-ray | Rs 4425 |
NM Medical | Rs 8000 |
Janta X-ray | Rs 2999 |
Aarthi Scan | Rs 4500 |
Mahajan imaging | Rs 7200 |
Prices tend to vary from one city to another. Usually, metro cities have higher prices, whereas tier 2 or tier 3 cities have lower prices.
You can click on the city name to get the list of MRCP Test centres with their prices and discount for the MRCP tests. Bookmerilab provides up to 50% discount at reputed MRI Centres.
City | Indicative price |
---|---|
MRCP test cost in Delhi | Rs 2999 to Rs 7200 |
MRCP test cost in Hyderabad | Rs 4500 to Rs 6673 |
MRCP test cost in Bangalore | Rs 4500 to Rs 5250 |
MRCP test cost in Mumbai | Rs 4050 to Rs 5250 |
MRCP test cost in Chennai | Rs 4500 |
MRCP test cost in Kolkata | Rs 4050 |
MRCP test cost in Gurgaon | Rs 4050 to Rs 7200 |
Purpose of MRCP test
There are the following purposes of the MRCP test:
- Underlying disease and stone formation: For examining the disease related to the kidney, spleen, gall bladder, liver, pancreas, pancreatic ducts, and bile ducts. The test helps detect abnormalities, including tumours, infections, stones, etc.
- Pancreas disorders: Diagnose the underlying cause of inflammation of the pancreas. The test also determines the extent of the damage or infection. The efficacy of pancreas functioning.
- Abdominal pain: Detect the cause of abdominal pain. This abdominal pain may be due to a pancreatic tumour, liver stone, and kidney stone.
- As a non-invasive substitute for an invasive ERCP: This can be used as a replacement test for the invasive and slightly risky ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). In the ERCP, an endoscope device is penetrated and carefully directed into the organ.
- Bile duct cancer: Bile duct cancer is a rare disorder. In this disorder, there is uncontrolled cell growth in the gall bladder.
When to go for the MRCP test?
Your doctor may suggest an MRCP scan in case of the following symptoms
- Gall bladder stones: If you face this issue, then this test may be helpful for you. The gall bladder is a small pouch-like structure located close to the liver. The gall bladder contains gall juices. These juices sometimes get transformed into stones.
- Pancreatic cancer: This test is also vital if you have Pancreatic cancer (uncontrolled cell growth in the pancreas). When you suffer some form of Abdominal injury, cystic fibrosis or diabetes, you shall go for a medical test.
- Liver Disorders: The liver stones diagnosis is done by MRCP test. Liver stones are more harmful than gall stones. The composition of the liver stone is the same as the gall stones.
The procedure for the MRCP Scan
You should take a look at the stepwise procedure of the MRCP scan:
- The radiographer instructs you to get laid on the table in a correct position on the couch and explains what will happen.
- You need to lay still on the table. You have to use straps to restrict any possible movement.
- As the procedure is very noisy, so you wear headphones. These headphones help minimise noise and make you feel experience no disturbance.
- If the space you occupy may feel small to you. Then, you may contact the scanning department before your procedure or appointment.
- The radiographer oversee the scanning procedure from a separate room, but You need not panic as the radiographer can observe you.
How does the MRCP test works?
MRCP scan works on the same technology as MRI. The MRI is based on a physics principle. The procedure uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves. The image of soft tissues and organs is captured on a computer screen.
The test is performed in an MRI scanner. The scanner is in the shape of a tunnel that is 1.5 meters in length and surrounded by magnets. MRCP scan is painless but a bit noisy. The patient is given a headphone or earplugs to block the noise from the scanner.
MRCP Test Preparation
Following is the procedure for the MRCP test.
- Feeling comfortable is an important requirement for this test. You should wear loose-fitting clothes. The clothes shall not be too tight.
- Your healthcare professional will advise if you can or cannot eat or drink anything before the test. Usually, you should come with several hours (4 hours) of fasting before appearing for the procedure.
- Inform your technician of allergies as some procedures may require oral or injectable contrast materials.
- Inform the technician of any devices that fit your body. Avoid wearing any metallic accessories like bracelets, earrings and nose pins, as the magnetic field can interfere with these objects.
Side effects of the MRCP test
- There are no side effects of the MRCP scan. You may return to normal activities after the scan is over.
- If you have an allergic reaction to the contrast used in rare cases. It is advised to avoid an MRCP scan during pregnancy unless there is an urgency.
Limitations of the MRCP test
There are the following limitations of the MRCP.
- Quality of the image: It depends upon your ability to remain still during the scanning process. If you move a little bit, your scan images will not be clear and easy to understand. However, if you stay still, the result will surely be clear and easy to understand.
- Obesity: An obese person may have difficulty fitting into certain MRI machines. The scanners have a limitation of how much weight they can bear.
- Implanted metallic objects: If the metallic things are in the body, it can cause a hindrance in getting a clear image.
- Oral contrast: The use of oral contrast may make you feel discomfort and may also cause certain side effects.
Risks associated with the MRCP test
MRCP scans radiate a magnetic field that can interfere with the knee’s iron or metallic implants and pacemakers or internal screws. If you have any one of the following conditions then, You shall avoid the MRCP test:
- Claustrophobic people: If you fear confined places, then you are claustrophobic. If you have claustrophobia, the expert will give you medicine to calm you.
- Implanted cardiac devices (pacemakers, defibrillators): These are implanted to regulate or maintain the heartbeat’s initialisation.
- Foreign metallic objects or Artificial joints or limbs: If you have recovered from invasive surgery. And you have some form of stainless steel support system in the affected organs like pre fractured arms or legs.
- Cochlear implants: These are known as hearing aids. These shall be removed before performing the MRCP.
When not to go for the MRCP test?
- The test is not recommended to you if you are seriously injured. The decision lies on the doctor if the injured person needs to get the test.
- Allergy with oral contrast material: The oral contrast is the radioactive barium solution. The ingestion of it may cause vomiting, nausea, and headache.
- Allergy with injectable contrast material: The Iodine-based injectable contrast media may cause inflammation at the injection site. The skin itching, red rashes, nausea and vomiting may also affect the patient.
Advantages of the MRCP
There are the following advantages of the MRCP test:
- It is non-invasive: The MRCP test does not involve any cut or incision inside the body. Therefore, this test is not painful.
- No use of ionising radiation: Unlike the CT scan and X-rays that produce harmful radiation, the MRCP test does not radiate harmful radiation.
Result interpretation
The radiologist interprets the scan result and hands over the signed report to the patient or the consulting physician.
MRCP Sample Report
Following is the sample report.
MRCP vs ERCP
Let us look at the difference between MRCP and ERCP. There are the following distinctions between MRCP and ERCP.
MRCP | ERCP |
---|---|
MRCP is a Non-invasive test. | It is an invasive test, and it involves using an endoscope. |
It gives quick results. | It does not provide immediate results. |
It does not include the use of radiation. | ERCP Involves X-ray radiation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
The magnetic field is not dangerous to you. But, it may cause some medical devices to malfunction. Most orthopaedic implants pose no risk. The magnetic field can affect the implants in your body.
MRCP scan is entirely non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. Healthcare professionals use the test to diagnose certain medical conditions.
The contrast material is the liquid that a radiologist gives to the patient to increase the visibility of the organ to be examined.
You should calm yourself by breathing and rational thinking. Then, the doctor may give you a medicine (CBD).
The MRI is the name of the working principle of the MRCP. The MRCP is a specialized MRI process involving the use of radiowaves.
How to Book MRCP Test
References:
- https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bile-duct-cancer/
- https://patient.info/treatment-medication/mrcp-scan
- https://www.pancan.org/facing-pancreatic-cancer/diagnosis/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri/
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.