Test Preparation
Depending on the type of imaging exam you will have, your preparation prior to the imaging exam will be different. For your convenience, we have provided common preparations. It is extremely important that you follow the instructions for your exam. Should you have any questions about these instructions, call us immediately.
You must bring previous CDs (images) and reports for comparison.
MRI
● For MRI with contrast, please review IV Contrast Guidelines above.
IV Contrast Guidelines
● Blood work is needed for all patients aged 60+ and for all patients who have diabetes, hypertension, multiple myeloma, renal disease, renal insufficiency, renal failure, nephrectomy (one kidney), renal surgery, or renal transplant.
● Blood work requires:
- Date drawn (within 3 months)
- Creatinine
- BUN
- GFR
CT
● For CT with IV contrast, please review IV Contrast Guidelines above, do not eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours prior to your exam. The day before your test, please drink at least 6-8 glasses of water.
● For CT with IV contrast and oral contrast, do not eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours prior to your exam. The day before your test, please drink at least 6-8 glasses of water. Barium oral contrast must be picked up at least one day before your appointment. Patients will be provided instructions. Remember to drink the barium according to the instructions provided.
● For CT with oral contrast, do not eat or drink anything for 4-6 hours prior to your exam. Barium oral contrast must be picked up at least one day before your appointment. Patients will be provided instructions. Remember to drink the barium according to the instructions provided.
● For CT without IV or oral contrast, no preparation required.
Bone Scan
● Part 1 of the exam: you receive an injection.
● Part 2 of the exam: you return in 2-3 hours for the imaging procedure.
Thyroid Uptake and Scan
● Do not eat seafood or shellfish 72 hours prior to the exam.
● Medication restrictions:
- No PTU/Tapazole 1 week prior to the exam.
- No Vita Centrum 10 days prior to the exam.
- No Cytomel 2-3 weeks prior to the exam.
- No Synthroid/Levothyroxine 4-6 weeks prior to the exam.
- No thyroid medications 6 weeks prior to the exam.
Abdomen Ultrasound
● Do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to the exam.
● Only done in the morning.
Obstetrical/Pelvic Ultrasound
● Drink four 8 oz glasses of water one hour prior to the exam.
● The bladder must be full at the time of the exam. Do not urinate.
● An empty bladder will prevent us from performing the exam.
● For transvaginal, no preparation is required.
Mammography
● Do not apply perfume, deodorant, or powder in the neck, chest, or underarm area.
● For screening mammography, patients must bring previous mammography records for comparison to avoid delays with results. A CD containing previous images must be dropped off at least 2 hours prior to the exam.