| · | PET/CT - How to prepare |
An examination takes about 30 minutes. So that the results are accurate, please follow these directions. If you have any questions, please ask us.
| · | Avoid strenuous activities the day before your examination. Too much activity may interfere with the interpretation of your scan. |
| · | Fast six hours before the examination. You may have water, along with medications. |
| · | Please be on time because the equipment must be prepared especially for you. |
| · | Please do not chew gum because it may interfere with the scan's results. |
| · | Please remove all jewelry, hair pins and clips before your exam. You may leave your wedding ring if it cannot be removed easily. |
| · | Make sure clothing is free of metal zippers and snaps. |
| · | Please be prepared to stay with us for two to three hours. Please bring any prior CT scans and reports. |
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If you have diabetes: Please tell our staff members before scheduling your examination. Please do not take insulin the morning of your exam. You will be scheduled for an early examination. Please bring your medication with you. |
| · | If your PET/CT includes CT with contrast and you are diabetic, check with PET/CT Technologist regarding resuming your medication. |
MRI - How to prepare
| · | An MRI examination takes less than one hour per study. Unless directed otherwise, eat, drink, and take any prescribed medication as usual before the MRI. |
| · | Because of the potential harmful effect associated with metallic objects in a magnetic field, do not wear any metal-containing objects such as jewelry, watches, and hair ornaments. These items may affect the quality of your picture. |
| · | In most cases, patients are given a robe to wear to prevent interference from belt buckles or zippers. |
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Check with your physician or MRI technologist if you have had brain, ear, eye, or
other surgeries or if you have any of the following: Pacemaker Artificial heart valves Metal objects in the body (e.g. stents) Inner ear prosthesis Bullets or metal fragments Any metal or mechanical implant Coronary stent, filter or coil in a blood vessel |
MRI Guided Breast Biopsy - How to prepare
Your biopsy must be approved by our Radiologist prior to scheduling. If your exam was performed at a facility other than ours, you will need to bring your films and reports prior to scheduling and for the day of biopsy.
| · | Stop blood-thinning medications 5 days prior to your biopsy and 3 days after your biopsy. |
| · | Let the staff know of any allergies to medications prior to your appointment. |
| · | If you have any metallic implants please notify our staff. |
| · | If you are apprehensive or claustrophobic, your doctor can order a mild sedative before your appointment. |