Because of the large number and variety of diagnostic examinations available, there are a number of different preparations to be followed, according to the procedure type. To ensure the successful completion of an examination and to maximize diagnostic quality, we ask that patients follow the preparatory procedures carefully and as instructed by the facility where your exam is scheduled. When scheduling your exam please alert us if you have any allergies or special medical problems or needs. Please note, we have provided the most common and updated patient preparation information.

Breast Studies
CT Studies
MRI Studies
Nuclear Medicine Studies
Radiologic Studies
Ultrasound Studies

Breast Studies:

• Mammography: No lotion, deodorant powder, or cream in the underarm and breast area.
• Biopsy/Aspiration/Localization: Do not take aspirin, aspirin-containing medications, gingko or inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naprosyn or Voltaren for 7 days prior to the biopsy. Vioxx and Celebrex are okay. If you are on blood thinners consult with the radiologist.

C.T. Studies:

• Abdomen/Pelvis With Contrast: Nothing to eat or drink after midnight except clear liquids. Patients who are age 65 or older or have any history of kidney disease must have BUN and CREAT lab work within 6 weeks before scheduled exam. Patient must be pre-medicated if allergic to contrast (Iodine) or history of allergies or asthma.
• Chest, Head Or Neck With Contrast: Patients who are age 65 or older or have any history of kidney disease must have BUN and CREAT lab work within 6 weeks before scheduled exam. Patient must be pre-medicated if allergic to contrast (Iodine) or history of allergies or asthma.
• Urogram: Eat no food after dinner on evening prior to exam. You may have water. Patients who are age 65 or older or have any history of kidney disease must have BUN and CREAT lab work within 6 weeks before scheduled exam. Drink four 8 oz glasses of water ½ hour prior to exam.

M.R.I. Studies:

• Dress in comfortable outfit. Leave all metal and valuables at home. No dietary preparation is necessary.

Nuclear Medicine Studies:

• Gastric Emptying: Nothing by mouth after midnight. [Exam duration: Approx. 3 hours]
• Hepatobiliary Scan: Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam except if you need to take medication with tiny amounts of water. [Exam duration: Approx. 2 hours]
• Meckels Scan: Nothing by mouth after midnight except if you need to take medications with tiny amounts of water. One (1) hour before procedure, patient is to take 300 mg Cimetidine (Adult Dose). [Exam duration: Approx 1.5 hours]
• Thyroid Scans: Nothing by mouth 2 hours prior to exam (Patient may take non-thyroid medications with tiny amount of water). No thyroid medication 3-4 weeks prior to exam (consult with physician). No iodinated (IV or intrathecal) contrast (e.g., Myelogram, IVP, CT scan) for three (3) months prior to exam.
• Thyroid Whole Body Scan: Nothing by mouth 2 hours prior to exam (Patient may take non-thyroid medications with tiny amount of water). No thyroid medication 3-4 weeks prior to exam (consult with physician). Blood tests in the lab (TSH and /or pregnancy tests) 24 to 48 hours before the first appointment may be needed. No iodinated (IV or intrathecal) contrast (e.g., Myelogram, IVP, CT scan) for three (3) months prior to exam.
• Bone, Liver, Indium WBC, or Parathyroid Scan: No patient prep is needed. There are no restrictions for diet or medications.

Radiologic Studies:

• Barium Enema: Pick up Fleet prep kit #1 in Medical Imaging Department or purchase from Pharmacy. Follow 24 hour prep. Do not eat breakfast.
• Small Bowel: Nothing by mouth after midnight except if you need to take medications with tiny amounts of water.
• Upper GI/Upper GI Small Bowel/Barium Swallow: Nothing by mouth after midnight except if you need to take medication with tiny amounts of water.
• IVP (Patients 12 years and up): 10 oz bottle of Citrate of Magnesia at 4:00 pm the night before exam. Follow with a light dinner at 5:00 pm. Nothing to drink in the morning except if you need to take medications with tiny amounts of water.

Ultrasound Studies:

• Abdominal (liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, aorta): Nothing by mouth after midnight except if you need to take medications with tiny amounts of water.
• Hepatic: Nothing by mouth after midnight except if you need to take medications with tiny amounts of water.
• Pelvic and Obstetrical: Drink four 8 oz glasses of water 1 hour prior to exam. DO NOT VOID.
• Renal: Drink two 8 oz glasses of water 1 hour prior to exam. DO NOT VOID.

If you have any questions about your preparation, contact the site you will be receiving your care.