Exam Preparation

Many of the exams performed at Doctors Imaging require preparation prior to the exam. If you are having any of the tests listed below, please follow the corresponding instructions.

* Valuables (jewelry, watches, etc.) are not permitted in the examination room. For the security of your valuables, please leave them at home.

Exam Preparation Instructions

To view the forms listed below, you will need Adobe Reader. You may download Adobe Reader for free at www.adobe.com. Please bring your completed forms with you to our office at the time of your visit.

MRI

Great care should be taken when being brought into the MRI exam room due to the powerful magnetic field surrounding the equipment. For your safety, Doctors Imaging has a screening process that begins when you first contact our scheduling specialist and continues until the technologist determines you are ready and safe to enter the exam room.

Medical History – Be prepared to disclose detailed information in regards to your medical history including but not limited to surgical history, possible foreign metal in the body, or medical implanted devices. Sometimes these questions are intentionally redundant.

Implanted Medical Devices – For some patients with implanted medical devices, wallet cards or other documents verifying their MRI compatibility will need to be obtained.

Claustrophobia – If you are claustrophobic or think you may feel overly anxious and confined in the MRI unit, you may request to be scheduled to receive a mild sedative. If a sedative is issued be sure to have transportation arrangements because we cannot administer sedation to a patient who is driving.

Arrival Time – You will be asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time in order to fill out paperwork and speak with the technologist prior to the time of your exam.

Clothing – Dress in clothing that is easy to remove, without metal, and leave your jewelry at home. Many exams require a modest gown to be worn.

MRI Brain Prep – If you are scheduled for an MRI Brain exam, eye makeup may NOT be worn.

MRCP Prep – If you are scheduled for an MRCP exam fasting 8 hours prior to the exam is required.

CT/CTA

Based on each individual patient’s clinical history and diagnosis the preparation for the exam may vary. Please contact our office for detailed instructions based on your specific need (504) 883-8111.

ULTRASOUND

Ultrasound preparations vary based on the specific exam being done. Below you will see the 4 different preps with the procedures following. If you are unsure which prep is appropriate for you, please call 883-8111.

No Preparation Required

  • Renal/Kidneys
  • Carotid with Doppler
  • Testicular with Doppler
  • Thyroid
  • Appendix
  • Pelvic – Trans Vaginal
  • Upper/Lower Extremities (Venous Doppler)
  • Upper/Lower Extremities (Arterial Doppler)
  • Soft Tissue Neck

Fasting 8-10 hours prior to the exam

  • Abdominal Complete
  • Abdominal Limited
  • Abdominal Aorta
  • Renal Doppler
  • Abdominal Doppler

Full Bladder Preparation (directions below)

  • Pelvic (If transabdominal is checked on order)
  • OB Ultrasound
  • Bladder – Transabdominal studies only
Instructions:
  • Two hours before the test, drink 32 ounces of water. Drink one 8oz glass every 15-20 minutes.
  • Please do not drink carbonated beverages.
  • Once you begin drinking, DO NOT EMPTY your bladder.
  • You should eat.

Infants

  • Hip
    • No Preparation Required
  • Pyloric Stenosis
    • Infants must fast 2-4 hours
    • Please bring a full bottle

X-Ray

No preparation required.

PET

Please be prepared to be here 2-3 hours

YOU MUST ARRIVE ON TIME FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS AND/OR YOU ARE UNABLE TO KEEP THIS APPOINTMENT, OR NO LONGER NEED THE EXAM, PLEASE CALL THE SCHEDULING DEPARTMENT AT (504) 883-8111. FAILURE TO CANCEL 24 HOURS BEFORE THE SCHEDULED EXAM WILL RESULT IN A $100.00 CANCELATION FEE.

The Day Before Exam

  • Food and Drink – Consume a high protein and fatty diet one day before your scan. You should limit the amount of sugar, carbohydrates, and caffeine on the day before the scan. You should not consume anything except water for approximately 4 hours prior to the scan.
  • Prior scans and reports – Please collect CDs and reports (if available) of prior radiology scans you may have had performed in the past to bring to your appointment.

The Day of Exam

  • Clothing – Dress comfortably and warmly, as the scanner room is usually cool.
  • Prior scans and reports – Please bring CDs and reports (if available) of prior radiology scans you may have had performed in the past.
  • Medications – You may take your regularly scheduled medications prior to arriving for your scan, if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
  • Diabetics – Generally, you should test your blood sugar level before the scan; it should be approximately 100 – 200 mg/dl. DO NOT take insulin, but bring it with you to Doctors Imaging. PLEASE CALL US AT THE NUMBER BELOW, IF YOU’RE BLOOD SUGAR TESTS SIGNIFICANTLY ABOVE 200 mg.
  • Procedure – Upon arriving at Doctors Imaging, you will have your blood glucose levels checked and if it is within range, you will receive an injection of radioactive glucose (FDG), which will take approximately 1 hour to distribute throughout your body. You will be asked to empty your bladder and then lie down on the scanner bed. The scan takes approximately 30 – 45 minutes, depending upon the type of scan you are having. It is important that you lie still during this process. If you need pain medication please bring it with you. You should plan on being at Doctors Imaging for approximately 2 hours.
  • After your scan – Once the PET scan is complete, you will be able to leave the facility. Make sure you drink plenty of water or other fluids throughout the day to flush the remaining FDG from your body.