General Procedure Preparations Print

Depending upon the test ordered, the ordering physician may have given you specific preparation instructions. In addition, we have provided a General Procedure Preparations list:

Air Contrast Barium Enema (Fluoroscopy)

  • Pick up your prep kit at our office 3 days prior to your exam
  • No solid foods the day before your exam, only clear liquids
  • Do prep kit as instructed

 

Upper GI (Fluoroscopy)

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your exam

 

Barium Swallow (Fluoroscopy)

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your exam

 

Small Bowel Series (Fluoroscopy)

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your exam

 

Abdominal Ultrasound

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your exam

 

Gallbladder Ultrasound

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your exam

 

Liver Ultrasound

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your exam

 

Thyroid Ultrasound

  • No preparation necessary

 

Renal Ultrasound

  • Well hydrated, drink plenty of water throughout the day (not soda)

 

Pelvic Ultrasound

  • Drink 32 oz. (four 8oz. glasses) of water 60 minutes prior to your exam and keep a full bladder. DO NOT GO TO THE BATHROOM.

 

Hysterosonography

  • It is best to perform hysterosonography one week after menstruation to avoid the risk of infection.
  • Hysterosonography should not be performed if you are pregnant.
  • You may be advised to take an over-the-counter medication shortly before the procedure to minimize any potential discomfort.

 

OB Ultrasound

  • Drink 32 oz. of water and keep a full bladder

 

CT

  • You may be asked to not eat or drink 4-8 hours before procedure
  • You will be advised of the requirement for your specific examination at time of scheduling.

 

Vascular Ultrasound

  • No preparation required.

 

PET

  • Do not eat anything for 6 hours prior to the exam. You may have water to drink
  • Do not chew gum or hard candies
  • If you are diabetic do not take diabetic medications for 6 hours prior to the exam
  • All other medications may be taken with water
  • If you are claustrophobic or have difficulty lying on your back for 45 minutes, you may want to discuss some pain medications with your primary physician

 

Nuclear Medicine Exams

Bone Scan

  • No preparation prior to arrival for scan

 

Thyroid Update and Scan

  • Must be off of thyroid medication for at least 6 weeks prior to scan
  • No x-ray examinations using contrast materials containing iodine for 6 weeks prior to scan
  • No seafood for 24 hours prior to scan
  • Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours before arriving for scan

 

Parathyroid

  • No preparation prior to arrival for scan

 

HIDA/Gallbladder

  • Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to exam
  • No pain medications after midnight prior to exam

 

Gastric Emptying Study

  • Nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to exam

 

Renal Scan (Kidneys)

  • No diuretic medication day of scan
  • No caffeine 24 hours prior to scan
  • Drink at least 24 oz of water prior to appointment
  • Some exams require no blood pressure medications for at least 3 days prior to exam. If this is necessary, you will be instructed at time of scheduling.

 

Liver Scan

  • No preparation required
  • No barium studies 3 days prior to exam

 

RNA-MUGA

  • No preparation prior to arrival for scan

 

Lung Scan

  • No preparation prior to arrival for scan

 

Radioactive Iodine Therapy for Hyperthyroidism

  • Must be off thyroid medication for at least 6 weeks prior to exam

 

Mammography

  • Do not use deodorants, body powders, perfumes, body lotions over your breasts or underarms

 

Interventional Procedures

  • Nothing to eat or drink after midnight before your procedure
  • Some procedures require that you have lab work. You will be informed, if required, by our office staff when your procedure is scheduled.