Exam Preparation

Helping you prepare for
your imaging appointment

Depending on the type of imaging exam you will undergo, you may need to make changes to the medication you take or when you eat or drink prior to your exam. For your exam to be successful, it is extremely important that you follow the instructions given to you. Should you have any questions about these instructions, call us immediately at the number above.

What To Bring With You

  • Photo ID
  • Current health insurance card
  • Prescription/referral or authorization paperwork
  • List of current medications including vitamins and herbal supplements
  • Previous images and reports related to your exam
  • Facemask (optional)

General Patient Information

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment unless your exam prep guidelines or a member of our team advises otherwise.

If you need to cancel, we ask that you do so at least 24 hours prior to your appointment as you may be subject to a no show/cancellation fee.

Patients receiving sedation for their scan must be accompanied by a friend or family member who can safely drive them home after their test is over.

Please inform your imaging technologist if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Patients Receiving IV Contrast

General IV Contrast Guidelines

We use Group II (Dotarem, Gadavist, Prohance, and Multihance) and Group III (Eovist) agents. Patients with a known history of renal disease, including dialysis, kidney disease or kidney failure (including kidney transplant, single kidney, renal cancer, and/or renal surgery), must present with recent lab work (no older than 6 weeks) demonstrating their Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) to be within normal limits as defined in the GFR.

  • Blood work requirements:
    • Date drawn (within 6 weeks of exam date)
    • Creatinine
    • BUN
    • GFR

Patients with a history of asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, severe allergies, or prior contrast reaction MUST notify the technologist prior to the exam.

Patients with prior adverse contrast reaction must have their referring physician contact our office about premedication.

IV Contrast Guidelines for CT

We use Isovue 300/370 and Optiray 320/350 agents. Patients with known history of renal disease, including kidney disease or failure: transplant; renal cancer; renal surgery. And diabetes with the use of Metformin. Patients must present with recent lab work (no older than 6 weeks) demonstrating their GFR to be within normal limits as defined in the GFR

  • Blood work requirements:
    • Date drawn (within 6 weeks of exam date)
    • Creatinine
    • GFR

Patients with a history of asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, severe allergies, or prior contrast reaction MUST notify the technologist prior to the exam.

Patients with prior adverse contrast reaction must have their referring physician contact our office about premedication.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) / MR Angiography (MRA)

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.

Remove any metallic objects (jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, etc.) and clothing with metal parts such as zippers or underwired bras, prior to exam as these may interfere with the clarity of the images.

For MRI with IV contrast: 

  • Review the IV Contrast Guidelines section above for full preparation details including blood work requirements.
  • Some tests may require that you avoid food or drink for 2-4 hours prior to the exam. Please follow the exact guidelines you are given.

For MRCP MRI/abdominal test:

  • No food or drink* for 6-8 hours prior to the exam.

Please contact us if you have a history of the following:

  • Brain aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants or ear tubes
  • Electronic implantable devices
  • Neurostimulator
  • Breast Expanders
  • Has worked with metal
  • Artificial heart valve
  • Pacemaker

*DO NOT stop taking your medication. All medications may be taken with a small sip of water.

Computerized Tomography (CT) / CT Angiography (CTA)

For CT with IV contrast:

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.
  • Review the IV Contrast Guidelines section above for full preparation details including blood work requirements.
  • No food or drink* for 4-6 hours prior to the exam.

For CT with oral contrast, including abdomen and pelvic scans:

  • Please arrive 1 hour prior to your exam to allow time to drink the oral contrast.
  • No food or drink* for 4-6 hours prior to the exam.

For CT without contrast:

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.
  • No additional preparation is required.

*DO NOT stop taking your medication. All medications may be taken with a small sip of water.

Ultrasound

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

For Echocardiography, Thyroid, Carotid, Breast, and Scrotal:

  • No preparation is required if you are having an echocardiography or ultrasound of your breast, extremities such as an arm or leg, or other body parts such as your thyroid or scrotum.

For Renal Doppler:

  • No food for 6 hours prior to the exam.

For Gallbladder, Liver, Abdominal, and Pancreas:

  • No food for 6 hours prior to the exam.

For Bladder and Pelvis (includes Obstetrical and Transvaginal):

  • Drink and finish 32 oz. of clear liquids 1 hour prior to appointment.
  • The bladder must be full at the time of the exam.
  • Do not urinate.
  • An empty bladder will prevent us from performing the exam.

Digital X-ray

Please inform your imaging technologist if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam.

Remove any metallic objects (jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, etc.) and clothing with metal parts such as zippers or underwired bras, prior to exam as these may interfere with the clarity of the images.