Dicom 2 PNG

Preparing for Your Medical Imaging Exam: A Checklist for Patients

Proper preparation is key to a smooth and successful medical imaging exam. Instructions can vary significantly depending on the type of scan you are having. Following these instructions carefully helps ensure the highest quality images for your diagnosis. Here is a general checklist, but **always follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor or the imaging center.**

General Tips for All Exams

• Arrive Early: Plan to arrive 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to allow time for registration and paperwork.
• Bring Necessary Documents: Have your doctor's order, insurance card, and a photo ID ready.
• List Your Medications: It's helpful to have a current list of your medications and allergies.
• Ask Questions: If you are unsure about any part of the preparation, call the imaging facility ahead of time.

Preparation for a CT Scan

• With IV Contrast: You will likely be instructed not to eat or drink for several hours before your scan. This is to ensure your stomach is empty, which reduces the risk of complications if you have an allergic reaction to the contrast. You can usually take your prescribed medications with a small sip of water.
• With Oral Contrast: For some abdominal and pelvic scans, you may need to drink a special contrast liquid. You will be asked to arrive 1-2 hours early to slowly drink the liquid so it has time to coat your digestive tract.
• Without Contrast: Usually, no special preparation is needed.
• What to Wear: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing with no metal zippers, snaps, or buttons. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown.

Preparation for an MRI Scan

• The Metal Rule: The most important preparation is to remove all metal from your body. The MRI machine is a giant magnet. Leave all jewelry, watches, piercings, and hearing aids at home or in a secure locker. Inform the technologist of any metal implants you have.
• Eating and Drinking: For most MRI exams, there are no restrictions on eating or drinking. However, for certain abdominal scans (like an MRCP), you may be asked to fast for several hours.
• Claustrophobia: If you are severely claustrophobic, speak to your doctor ahead of time. They may be able to prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax. If you take a sedative, you MUST have someone to drive you home.
• What to Wear: Wear comfortable clothing with no metal. Many types of athletic wear contain metallic fibers, so it's often best to change into a hospital gown provided by the facility.

Preparation for an Ultrasound

• Abdominal Ultrasound: You will typically be asked to fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the exam. An empty stomach reduces the amount of gas in your intestines, which can block the sound waves and obscure the view of your organs, especially the gallbladder.
• Pelvic / Bladder Ultrasound: You will be asked to drink a large amount of water (usually about 32 ounces) one hour before your exam and NOT empty your bladder. A full bladder acts as a "window," pushing the bowel out of the way and allowing the technologist to see your uterus and ovaries (in women) or your prostate gland (in men) more clearly.
• Other Ultrasounds: Most other types of ultrasound (like for your thyroid, legs, or heart) do not require any special preparation.

Conclusion: Your Partnership in Care

Following preparation instructions is a simple but vital way you can contribute to the success of your imaging exam. By ensuring your body is properly prepared, you help the medical team capture the clearest possible images, which allows for the most accurate diagnosis. When in doubt, a quick phone call to the imaging department can clear up any questions and give you peace of mind.