PATIENT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS

PATIENT PREPARATION INSTRUCTIONS: Please follow preps carefully to ensure an accurate exam. Diabetic patients should not take insulin if fasting is required. Photo identification is required for your exam.

DIGITAL MAMMOGRAPHY: DO NOT apply any powders, deodorant or ointments to the underarm area or breast area on the day of the exam. If you experience breast tenderness prior to or during menstruation, try to schedule a routine mammogram at a more comfortable time during your cycle. Wear a two-piece outfit.

ULTRASOUND, GALL BLADDER OR ABDOMEN: Patient should be fasting for eight (8) hours prior to the exam. Nothing to eat or drink. No chewing gum.

TRANS/ABDOMEN, PELVIS AND PREGNANCY (UP TO 6 MONTHS): One and half (1 1/2) hours before exam patient should go to the bathroom and after that drink 32 oz. (four (4) 8 oz. glasses) of liquid. All fluid intake must be completed 1 hour before appointment. DO NOT use the bathroom until after the ultrasound has been completed.

ULTRASOUND RENAL: Drink 16 oz of water 30 minutes prior to exam.

CT SCAN OF CHEST, HEAD, NECK, EXTREMITIES, SINUSES, AND SPINE: No preparation necessary.

ABDOMEN/PELVIS: NPO (nothing to eat or drink) after midnight. You will be given a contrast to drink as part of the exam and will need to wait one hour prior to scanning. *If you are allergic to lodine please inform technologist before drinking contrast.

EXAMS ORDERED WITH IV CONTRAST: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight. *If you are allergic to lodine please inform the technologist. *Diabetics, patients over 50 years of age, or patients with renal issues must have a BUN and creatinine lab test done at least two months prior to day of exam. * If you are taking diabetic medications containing metformin you will need to stop taking your medication after your exam for 48 hours (two days). *If you have any concerns or questions about stopping your medication, please consult with your physician.

TODDLERS: Ages 36 months to 6 years: Sleep deprive patient up to midnight the night before exam. Do not let child sleep any time prior to arrival for exam.

MRI 1.5 T/OPEN MRI: CONTRADICTIONS: If you have the following devices implanted in your body you will not be able to have an MRI exam: Pacemaker, metallic cardiac valve, cochlear implants, TENS unit, brain aneurysm clip or battery-operated pump (insulin, pain medication, etc.).

CLOTHING SUGGESTIONS FOR MRI: Do not wear jewelry of any kind. Wear comfortable loose clothing such as warm-ups. Do not wear anything with metal zippers or buttons. Anything metallic will affect the image of the exam and will get attracted to the MRI magnet which is dangerous. Do not wear any make up or mascara.