How do I prepare for the exam?

CT

You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for your CT scan. Metal objects can affect the image so avoid wearing clothing with zippers and snaps. You will also be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work depending on the anatomy being scanned. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for one or more hours before the exam depending on the required procedure. Women should always inform their caregiver if there is a possibility they may be pregnant.

MRI

There are no special preparations; however there are a few details to remember. Because metal interferes with the MRI equipment, you will be asked to remove any jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work. Metal in the MRI scan room can be dangerous. You must be sure to inform your technologist if you have ever worked with metal or if you have metal implants, a pace maker, or metal fragments from an old injury.

Digital Mammography

The best time to schedule your mammogram is 2 weeks following your period. Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of your exam. Always inform your caregiver if there is a possibility that you are pregnant.

Bone Density

On the day of your exam you can eat normally but do not take any calcium supplements for at least 24 hours beforehand. Wear loose, comfortable clothing that does not have zippers or snaps because metal will interfere with the exam. Inform your physician if you have recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a CT scan; you may have to wait 10 to14 days before undergoing a bone density scan. Women should always inform their caregiver if they suspect they could be pregnant.

Ultrasound

Depending on the anatomy you will be having examined, there may be different instructions. Abdomen/Gallbladder do not eat or drink anything for 6 hours prior to the exam. Pelvic exams require the patient to consume at least 6 glasses of water two hours prior to your exam; this is done to ensure your bladder is full help with visualization of the pelvic area. Do not urinate until after the exam for this particular exam. You will be informed of what to do per your particular exam when you schedule your exam.

Digital X-Ray

There is generally no advanced preparation for general digital x-ray procedures.