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Patient Preparation 
MRI / MRA
- MRI of the Abdomen
Explanation of the Exam
The patient will be positioned on a special table inside
the opening of the MRI. The MRI is comprised of a series
of sequences. Each sequence shows a cross-section of the
body.
Approximate Exam Time
1 hour
Preparation Instructions
No food or water 6 hours prior to the test. More specific
instructions will be given at the time of scheduling exam.
Leave jewelry, coins, hairpins, pagers, cellular phones,
watches or any other objects that might be affected by the
powerful magnet at home or Secure them in the lockers provided.
Please inform the staff if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis,
surgical clips, metal implants, tattoos, body piercing or
any other internal metal objects. Please inform the staff
if there is any possibility of PREGNANCY at the time of
scheduling your appointment.
- MRI of the Chest
Explanation of the Exam
The patient will be positioned on a special table inside
the opening of the MRI. The MRI is comprised of a series
of sequences. Each sequence shows a cross-section of the
body.
Approximate Exam Time
1 hour
Preparation Instructions
Instructions will be given at the time of scheduling the
exam. Leave jewelry, coins, hairpins, pagers, cellular phones,
watches or any other objects that might be affected by the
powerful magnet at home or secure them in the lockers provided.
Please inform the staff if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis,
surgical clips, metal implants, tattoos, body piercing or
any other internal metal objects. Please inform the staff
if there is any possibility of PREGNANCY at the time of
scheduling exam.
PET Imaging
Approximate Exam Time
There are two stages of the PET exam and the total time required
will be approximately 2 hours.
- You will receive an injection of the radiopharmaceutical
FDG (Fluorine-18), after which you must wait between 30
and 60 minutes for your body to metabolize the FDG. You
will be resting comfortably during this time.
- You will be escorted first to the restroom and then to
the PET scanning facility. You will be asked to lie down
on a table that passes slowly through the PET scanner. The
scanner resembles a CT scanner. You should expect the scan
to last approximately one hour.
Preparation Instructions
Do not consume anything for at least four (6) hours before
your exam, except water. If anything is eaten before the exam,
there is a significant decrease in the absorption of the FDG
(Fluorine-18) radiopharmaceutical. This will decrease the
amount of radioactivity uptake in the abnormal cells and will
generate a sub optimal scan.
- No concentrated sugars (candy or juices)
- No Caffeine or alcohol
- No Smoking
- Yes, take your normal medications - but talk to your doctor
first
- If you are diabetic, please let your doctor know
What to Expect After Your Procedure
You may resume your normal diet immediately following the
procedure. You should drink additional fluids for several
hours after the scan. There are no physical restrictions after
the procedure.
How Long Before You Get Results?
The exam is usually read within 24 hours and then the results
will be sent to your doctor. You should call your doctor three
days after the exam or as otherwise directed.
CT Imaging
- Abdomen and Pelvis:
Explanation of the Exam
This scan produces a series of images to assist in an accurate
diagnosis of a condition. You will be asked to lie on a
table that is connected to the CT scanner. The part of your
body to be scanned will be positioned in the middle of the
large ring-shaped machine.
Approximate Exam Time
20 minutes
Preparation Instructions
Patients will be given specific instruction at the time
of scheduling. Please inform the staff if there is any possibility
of PREGNANCY at the time of scheduling your appointment.
Note: If you are a diabetic and presently on METFORMIN,
or GLUCOPHAGE, you must remain off your medication for
48 hours if contrast is administered. You must inform your
primary MD that you will be off your medication.
- Brain/Head
Explanation of the Exam
This scan produces a series of images to assist in an accurate
diagnosis of a condition. You will be asked to lie on a
table that is connected to the CT scanner. The part of your
body to be scanned will be positioned in the middle of the
large ring-shaped machine.
Approximate Exam Time
5 minutes
Preparation Instructions
Please arrive at Registration 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Please inform the staff if there is any possibility of PREGNANCY
at the time of scheduling your appointment.
Note: If you are a diabetic and presently on METFORMIN,
or GLUCOPHAGE, you must remain off your medication for
48 hours if contrast is administered. You must inform your
primary MD that you will be off your medication.
- Cervical Spine:
Explanation of the Exam
This scan produces a series of images to assist in an accurate
diagnosis of a condition. You will be asked to lie on a
table that is connected to the CT scanner. The part of your
body to be scanned will be positioned in the middle of the
large ring-shaped machine.
Approximate Exam Time
5 minutes
Preparation Instructions
Please arrive at Registration 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
Please inform the staff if there is any possibility of PREGNANCY
at the time of scheduling your appointment.
Ultrasound
- Abdominal Ultrasound
Explanation of the Exam
This examination will evaluate your pancreas, liver, spleen,
kidneys, aorta and gall bladder. Ultrasonography involves
imaging structures within the body by using sound waves.
This is a safe, painless procedure, which will not cause
any harmful effects to you.
Approximate Exam Time
30 minutes
Preparation Instructions
No food or water after 10:00 p.m. the night prior to your
test. More specific instructions will be given at the time
of scheduling exam.
- Obstetrical (OB) Ultrasound
Explanation of the Exam
This examination evaluates the fetus, placenta and fluid
surrounding the baby. Ultrasonography involves imaging structures
within the body using high frequency sound waves. This is
a safe, painless procedure that does not cause any harmful
effects to you or your baby.
Approximate Exam Time
30 minutes
Preparation Instructions
You must have a full bladder for this exam. More specific
instructions will be given at the time of scheduling exam.
Mammography
- Mammogram
Explanation of the Exam
This study examines your breast using low dose x-ray equipment
with special films. Normally, two films are taken of each
breast by the technologist.
Approximate Exam Time
30 minutes
Preparation Instructions
On the day of the examination, please do not use any lotions,
creams, perfumes, powders, deodorant, etc. on or around
your breast area. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to exam.
Please bring any outside mammography films with you for
a comparative interpretation. Please inform the staff if
there is any possibility of PREGNANCY at the time of scheduling
your appointment.
Bone Density (DEXA scan)
Preparation Instructions
No preparation needed. Please notify the staff if you are,
or may be, pregnant.
X-Ray / Fluoroscopy
- General X-Ray
No Preparation Needed
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP, Kidney Study)
Explanation of the Exam
This study evaluates the kidneys, ureters and bladder. A
clear liquid containing iodine (opaque to x-rays) will be
injected into a vein in your arm or hand. Images are taken
at timed intervals and from different angles to best demonstrate
kidney function.
Approximate Exam Time
1 hour
Preparation Instructions
Instructions will be given at the time of scheduling exam.
Please inform the staff if there is any possibility of PREGNANCY
at the time of scheduling your appointment.
Note: If you are a diabetic and are presently taking
METFORMIN, or GLUCOPHAGE, you must be off your medication
for 48 hours POST CONTRAST infusion. You must inform your
primary MD that you will be off your medication.
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