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EXAM PREPARATION

The following information will help you prepare for your specific examination:

  • MRI
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • CT scan
  • Vascular Intervention
  • Breast Imaging (Mammogram)
  • GI Series
  • DEXA scan (Bone Densitometry)
  • Myelogram
  • Ultrasound
  • IVP


  • MRI:

    You may eat and drink normally. There is no special preparation for the exam, however, we ask that you arrive 1/2 hour before your scheduled exam time so that we can complete a detailed medical history. This information is necessary for the proper interpretation of your test results.


    CT scan:


    CT of Abdomen - Nothing to eat or drink three (3) hours before exam. Medications may be taken.
    CT of Pelvis - Nothing to eat or drink three (3) hours before exam. Medications may be taken. NOTE: An oral solution must be taken 3 hours before your appointment time for all abdominal or pelvis CT studies. Detailed instructions will be given when you make your appointment. Patients need to come and pick up oral contrast the day before the exam. Our staff will instruct the patient on how to properly take the contrast.
    CT Head / Neck - Nothing to eat or drink three (3) hours before exam. Medications may be taken.
    CT Chest (Thorax) - Nothing to eat or drink three (3) hours before exam. Medications may be taken.
    CT Sinus - No preparation is necessary.
    CT Spine - No preparation is necessary.

    We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled exam time so that we can complete a detailed medical history. This information is necessary for the proper interpretation of your test results. Very small children may need to be sedated.


    Breast Imaging:

    Do not use deodorant, perfume, dusting powder, creams, lotions or medications on the breast or underarm area before having your mammogram. Some women prefer to schedule about a week after the beginning of their menstrual cycle, due to tender breasts. It is very important for RAP to have any previous mammogram films at our center at the same time of your exam.


    DEXA scan: (Bone Densitometry)

    No special preparation is necessary.


    Ultrasound:

    Abdominal Sonogram: Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before the exam. Abstain from smoking and chewing gum as well.
    Renal Sonogram: Does not require fasting and you may drink normally before the exam. Please bring any current x-rays if available.
    Pregnancy/Pelvic Sonogram: Drink at least four 8-oz. glasses of liquid before your exam. You must have finished drinking about 1 1/2 hours prior to your exam time. DO NOT go to the rest room - you must have a full bladder for your exam.


    Nuclear Medicine:

    Special preparation may be necessary for the nuclear medicine examination and you will be given instructions by your physician. Most often, a small intravenous injection is required. Either immediately or up to four hours after the injection, your body will be scanned.


    Vascular Intervention:

    No special preparation is necessary.


    GI Series:

    Do not eat fatty foods or dairy products the day before your exam. Also, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your exam. When you schedule the exam, you will be supplied with preparation tablets. Follow the instructions on the package for taking these pills. Do not take any laxatives. Allergies to iodine must be noted - you may not be able to take the capsules.


    Myelogram:

    You will be contacted by our office and given specific instructions. You must alert us if you have iodine, seafood, asthma, or hay fever allergies. You may need to be pre-medicated 24 hours prior to your exam - or you may not be able to receive the contrast injection. It is very important for you to have contact with our office at least 24 hours prior to your appointment time.


    IVP:

    It is very important that your colon be thoroughly cleaned out before your exam. You need to get a preparation kit from your doctor’s office at least 48 hours prior to your exam. It is very important that you follow all of the directions in the prep kit. Prep instructions vary with each patient’s physician. Do not hesitate to call us if you have any questions.

    Please NOTE: If you have iodine, food, asthma, or hay fever allergies - you must alert the RAP staff. You may need to be pre-medicated 24 hours prior to your exam - or you may not be able to receive the contrast injection.




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