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All of the studies we perform require different types of preparation.



For All Exams:



Please have your referral/prescription from your doctor and your insurance card when you arrive for your appointment.
Continue taking any prescription medications, which may be taken with a few sips of water prior to exam.

Wear comfortable, loose clothing. Do not wear jewelry.

MRI
CT Scan
Ultrasound
PET/CT Scan
Nuclear Medicine
X-Ray
Mammography
DEXA Bone Densitometry

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MRI​



**PRECAUTION**

This exam may not be performed if you have a cardiac pacemaker, cerebral aneurysm clips or a metallic hearing implant. If you are a sheet metal worker or have ever had metal fragments in your eye(s), an orbit x-ray will be taken prior to your MRI exam.



Wear comfortable loose fitting clothes, such as a sweat suit. Be sure there are no metal zippers, snaps or buckles. Do not wear earrings, hairpins or jewelry. Do not apply eye shadow or mascara.

If you are receiving IV Contrast for your MRI/MRA exam, click here to view your exam preparations, in addition to the following preps.

 

CT Scan

*If you have a history of asthma, an allergy to iodine or are currently taking medication for diabetes, please notify our staff. When arriving at the office for your appointment, please notify the front desk and the technologist performing the examination if you have an allergic history or have been premeditated.

If you are receiving OMNIPAQUE oral contrast for your exam, click here to view your preparations.

If you are receiving REDI-CAT oral contrast for your exam, click here to view your preparations.

Spine without contrast - No preparation necessary.

Brain/Chest/Neck without contrast - No preparation necessary.

Abdomen/Pelvis without contrast - Nothing to eat, drink, smoke or chew 3 hours prior to your exam time (2 hours for diabetics).



CTA - Follow specific instructions given at the time of scheduling an appointment.



X-Ray

Esophagram/Upper G.I. Series/Small Bowel Series - Have a light dinner the night before the exam. Nothing to eat, drink, chew or smoke after 9:00 pm until after the exam is complete in the morning.

Barium Enema (B.E.) – Take a laxative post X-Ray (3tbsp. Milk of Magnesia)



Ultrasound

Aortic/Abdominal/Gallbladder - Nothing to eat, drink, chew or smoke for four to six hours prior to your exam.

Pelvic/Obstetrical - A full bladder is necessary for the exam. Have breakfast and/or lunch.

Women: drink at least 32 oz. of water, finishing 1 hour prior to exam.

Men: at least 16 oz. of water, finishing 1 hour prior to exam.

Do not empty your bladder prior to the sonogram.

Breast/Scrotal/Thyroid - No preparation necessary.

Renal - 16 oz. glass of water one hour prior to study. Do not void.

Color-Flow Doppler - No preparation necessary.

Renal Arterial Study - Nothing to eat, drink, chew or smoke for three to five hours prior to your exam. In addition, consult your physician before taking gas-X one hour before the exam.

 

Mammography

Do not apply lotions, deodorant, perfume or powder on the day of the exam. Wear comfortable two-piece clothing. Bring previous mammography studies for comparison if possible.

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DXA Bone Densitometry

No preparation necessary.

 

Preparations for Exams with Contrast

IF YOU ARE RECEIVING IV CONTRAST FOR A CT SCAN, MRI, MRA OR IVP, AND ARE OVER 70, DIABETIC (regardless of age or medication), or HAVE ONLY ONE KIDNEY, you must have a BLOOD TEST showing BUN and CREATININE levels drawn within the last six weeks. The results must be forwarded to us or brought with you on the day of your test.

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For Esophagram/Upper GI

Do not eat or drink after midnight prior to the study. Take all necessary medications, with minimal water only.

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For IVP

Take one bottle of citrate of magnesia at 6:00pm the evening prior to the study and drink 4 glasses of water before going to bed. Nothing to eat, drink or smoke after 10pm until the study is completed.

Notify the office of any prior reaction to iodinated contrast (iodine dye) or if you are currently taking glucophage (Metformin or Glucovance).  Please note thate Glucophage should not be taken the day of, or the day following the exam. Ask your referring physician if a check of your renal function is required before resuming glucophage.

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For Barium Enema

Pick up a preparation kit two days prior to the exam. Read and follow the instructions exactly for the 24-hour preparation. Take clear liquid diet the day before the study. Only water and medications are permitted the day of the study.

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REDI-CAT Contrast Prep For CT Scan of Abdomen and Pelvis

Refrigerate REDI-CAT (Shake well before drinking)

Begin drinking REDI-CAT 2 hours prior to exam, finishing within 90 minutes.

You may be asked to drink another small cup at your exam time.