Preparation

X-RAY/DENTAL X-RAY

There is no special preparation required for most x-rays. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be, you should tell your doctor or radiographer before the test is performed, as special precautions may have to be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.

ULTRASOUND

There is no special preparation required for most x-rays. If you are pregnant or suspect that you may be, you should tell your doctor or radiographer before the test is performed, as special precautions may have to be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.

MAMMOGRAPHY

On the day of your exam do not apply underarm deodorant or powder as this may show up as an abnormality on your mammogram. If you must use powder or deodorant, please let us know before the exam so that we may provide you with wipes to remove it.

If you have had prior mammograms and breast ultrasounds at another institution, please bring them with you. These will be utilized for comparison to your new exam. Please let the radiographer know if you may be or are pregnant as special precautions may have to be taken to minimize radiation exposure to the baby.

DEXA (Bone Densitometry)

On the day of the exam you may eat normally. You should not take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam. Inform your physician if you recently had a barium examination or have been injected with a contrast material for a computed tomography scan or radioisotope scan. You may have to wait a few days before undergoing a DEXA test.

CT SCAN WITH NO CONTRAST

No preparation is required.

CT SCAN WITH INTRAVENOUS CONTRAST

Please inform us if you are taking any diabetic medication, have kidney disease or have had a previous reaction to x-ray contrast. If you have a known severe allergy, you must contact our clinic of your physician for special instructions before your exam.

CT SCAN OF THE ABDOMEN AND PELVIS

You are advised not to eat solid foods 4 hours prior to exam. Clear liquids and medications are allowed up to 2 hours before exam. For some examinations of the abdomen, you may be given some water or a special drink (barium contrast) that shows the intestine, two hours before your scan. You will be advised by our reception staff if you require any special preparation when you make your appointment.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI/ MRA)

There is no need to alter your diet or medication prior to an MRI examination, except from the abdominal examinations. During the exam most metal items will need to be removed. Patients with metallic implants, pacemakers or metal clips must notify the technologist prior to examination.

MRCP/ABDOMINAL MRI

No eating or drinking for 6 hours prior to the examination.

Barium Meal

You must not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before the examination. If you are diabetic or have any other medical condition which requires a special diet and drugs, please inform us before your appointment.

Barium Enema

Two days before examination: You must stop eating all fruits including: fruit yoghurts, nuts plus any food containing fruits.

One day before examination: You must follow a clear liquid diet (no milk or dairy products allowed). You may eat a light breakfast but after midday no solid foods are allowed. At 2 PM drink half bottle of Senna plus (laxative) and at 9 PM drink the rest of it, to clear out any stool particles. Drink as many glassfuls of water as desired in order to satisfy thirst. This preparation may cause multiple bowel movements. Some intestinal cramping is normal.

Day of examination: Drink at least a glass of clear liquid (water, coffee, tea of strained fruit juices) but no other breakfasts.

HYSTEROSALPINGOGRAPHY

This examination should be done in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and so you have to schedule your appointment 7-10 days after the first day of your last menstrual period. It is contraindicated in pregnancy because it involves ionizating radiation, so you are advised to avoid having intercourse from the first day of your last menstrual cycle until the day of the examination. Please ask your Gynecologist to prescribe an antibiotic prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of an infection. In case you have a history of allergy please contact our clinic or your physician to obtain additional details of your preparation. This procedure should not be performed if you have an active inflammatory condition, a chronic pelvic infection or an untreated sexually transmitted disease at the time of the procedure.

INTRAVENOUS PYELOGRAPHY

This examination should be done in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle and so you have to schedule your appointment 7-10 days after the first day of your last menstrual period. It is contraindicated in pregnancy because it involves ionizating radiation, so you are advised to avoid having intercourse from the first day of your last menstrual cycle until the day of the examination. Please ask your Gynecologist to prescribe an antibiotic prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of an infection. In case you have a history of allergy please contact our clinic or your physician to obtain additional details of your preparation. This procedure should not be performed if you have an active inflammatory condition, a chronic pelvic infection or an untreated sexually transmitted disease at the time of the procedure.