Preparing for an MRI:
Getting ready for an MRI is simple. You don’t have to do anything aside from just showing up. You may eat normally and go about your daily routine. Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor, unless otherwise directed. Because of the magnetic field, you will be asked to leave the following items in a safe place outside the scan room: coins, jewelry, watches, glasses, credit card, keys, hair pins, and other metal objects. Makeup and dentures may need to be removed. You may be asked to wear a hospital gown to avoid magnetic interference from belt buckles or zippers. We will call you prior to your appointment to discuss your procedure with you.

Please note:
Certain people may be unable to undergo an MRI exam. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant. Also check with your physician or MRI technologist if you have had any brain, ear, eye or other surgeries, or if you have or think you have medical devices implanted in your body such as pacemaker, neuro-stimulator (Tens-unit), metal implant, aneurysm clips, surgical staples, implanted drug infusion devices, foreign metal objects in the eye, shrapnel or bullet wounds, or permanent eyeliner.

Preparing for a CT scan:
As with a conventional x-ray procedure, you may be asked to wear a medical gown to prevent interference caused by metal objects on your clothing. Depending on the type of study, patients may need to restrict food and fluids prior to the exam.

Please note:
Be sure to tell your doctor and technologist if you are pregnant or have any allergies. The most common problem with a CT scan is an adverse reaction to intravenous contrast material, which may be used for your exam.

Preparing for an ultrasound exam:
The only preparation required for an ultrasound are the following: For an examination of the abdomen, the patient must not eat anything after midnight on the night before the ultrasound exam. For examinations of the pelvic area, the patient must drink 40 ounces of liquid 1-1/2 hours before the ultrasound exam in order to achieve a full bladder.

Mammography & Women's Imaging:
Before scheduling a mammogram, the American College of Radiologists (ACR) and other specialty organizations recommend that you discuss any new findings or problems in your breasts with your doctor. In addition, inform your doctor of any prior surgeries, hormone use, and family or personal history of breast cancer.

Do not schedule your mammogram for the week before your period if your breasts are usually tender during this time. The best time is one week following your period. Always inform your doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that you are pregnant.

The ACR also recommends:

• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These can appear on the x-ray film as calcium spots.
• Describe any breast symptoms or problems to the technologist performing the exam.
• If possible, obtain prior mammograms and make them available to the radiologist at the time of the current exam.
• The radiologist sends the results (report) of your mammogram to your physician, usually the ordering physician, therefore please ask when your results should be available; do not assume the results are normal if you do not hear from your doctor.

In addition, before the examination, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing above the waist and you will be given a gown or loose-fitting material that opens in the front.

Bone Densitometry (DEXA):
If the patient is on calcium supplements, they cannot take calcium the day of the test. We ask the patient to wear clothes without buttons or zippers; otherwise, they will be requested to change into a gown or surgical top and pants.

General X-ray:
No special preparartions are required for a general x-ray procedure. You may be asked by the technologist to change into a gown before your examination and to remove jewlery, eyeglasses, and any metal objects that may obscure the images. During the procedure you may be standing, seated or lying down.