Radiology Patient Prep
Radiology patients – Thank you so much for using our services. We want to do everything we can to make your visit the best it can be. Here are some helpful hints before you arrive for your exam:
Mammography
Cat Scan
MRI
Consider wearing a two piece outfit so it is easier to undress from the waist up. Avoid wearing deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam as these can appear on the mammogram as calcium spots.
Patients of Dr. Burke need to have a physical breast exam before their mammogram. Simply call Rock Port Family Medicine Clinic and discuss this with his staff.
Cat scans and metal objects are not a good combination. Jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if contrast material will be used in your exam. Your physician or radiology staff will inform you of this when your appointment is made. An IV may be started to inject contrast material for your scan. You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, or “dye,” your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
Jewelry and other accessories should be left at home if possible, or removed prior to the MRI scan. Metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room. These items include:
jewelry, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, all of which can be damaged
pins, hairpins, metal zippers and similar metallic items, which can distort MRI images
removable dental work
pens, pocketknives and eyeglasses
If you have claustrophobia (fear of enclosed spaces) or anxiety, you may want to communicate this to your physician for a prescription for a mild sedative.
Contrast material, gadolinium, may be injected for your exam. An IV maybe started for this reason. Please inform physician or technologist of any allergies.
Please bring any stent cards with you at time of appointment.
Women should inform physician or technologist of any possibility of pregnancy.
X-Ray
Ultrasound
Wear comfortable clothing that has little metal as possible. You may be asked to change into a gown.
Women should inform the technologist or physician of any possibility of pregnancy.
You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam or you may be allowed to wear your own clothing.
For some exams you may be asked to fast or have a full bladder beforehand. Please refer to physician or radiology department for prior instructions.