Exam Preparations

Patient Prep Instructions

General Instructions

1. If available, you should bring prior related studies to the imaging center at the time of your appointment for comparison purposes.
2. Leave your valuables at home during your examination.
3. Please bring your insurance cards, identification, and your prescription, authorization, and/or referral.

CT Scan

1. For all CT scan procedures that require IV contrast, do not eat or drink at least 4 hours prior to exam.
2. Abdomen and/or Pelvis CT exams may require drinking oral contrast several hours prior to exam. This contrast may be picked up at our reception desk or in your doctor’s office, prior to the date of exam. Please contact us for specific instructions.
3. Please supply BUN/Creatinine levels for all patients over 65 years of age. Diabetics, please call for specific instructions.

MRI

1. The patient will be screened for metallic implants or devices including a pacemaker, brain aneurysm clip, cochlear implants, other medical devices or any possibility of metal fragments in their eyes or body.

Nuclear Medicine

1. HIDA, Gastric Emptying and Reflux scans require no food or drink 4 hours prior to exam. Thyroid scans require the patient to be off thyroid medication for 4 weeks, and have consumed no seafood 24 hours prior to exam.
2. Thyroid, Bone and Gallium scans require multiple visits to complete scans.

Ultrasound

1. Abdomen, Gallbladder, Aorta and Pancreas scans require no food or drink 4 to 6 hours prior to exam. Pelvic scans require you to completely consume 32 oz. of clear, noncarbonated fluid 60 minutes prior to scan. Do not empty or relieve bladder.
2. OB scans may require a full bladder if fetus is <18 weeks, completely consume 24 oz. of fluid 60 minutes prior to scan. Do not empty or relieve bladder. Call prior to exam if uncertain.
3. Breast Ultrasound – Patient must bring all prior breast studies (i.e. mammogram films, breast ultrasound films, etc.).

Mammography

1. Do not apply deodorants, oils, powder or perfumes to underarm or breast area on day of exam.
2. If your prior study was performed elsewhere or if your films were checked out or our possession, please ensure that you bring all related prior films for comparison.

Upper GI Series, Esophogram, Small Bowel Series, IVP

1. UGI, Esophogram, Small Bowel Series, IVP and Voiding Cysto scans require no food or drink after midnight.
2. A note on Small Bowel Series – This can be a very lengthy exam. The amount of time needed to complete this study is different for every patient, so be prepared to spend a few hours in our facility.

Barium Enema (GU)

1. Pick up prep kit at the imaging center reception desk at least 2 days prior to exam, and follow instructions.

BUN / Creatinine Levels

1. Please supply BUN / Creatinine levels for patients over 65 years of age. Diabetics, please call for specific instructions.

PET-CT

1. Please call for specific instructions. Medicare will NOT cover PET scans for tumors or cancers other than those currently approved by Medicare. Private insurance will require prior authorization.