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 scan’s readings.
• 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.
• 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 a dye is to be used during the scan, do not eat for at least 3 hours before the scan
• Do not drink anything for one hour before the test
• Give a complete list of any medications you are currently taking, both prescribed and nonprescription, to your doctor
• Tell your doctor or radiologist all details concerning the following aspects of your current health:
  • if you are pregnant
  • if you are diabetic
  • if you are allergic to any foods or drugs
  • if you had any previous side effects to a contrast medium or dye in the past
  • if you have had or are presently being treated for an infection anywhere in your body
• You must put on a hospital gown and remove watches, jewelry, or any other metal objects you might be wearing
• You will lie down on the scanning table
• You will be positioned comfortably, generally with your arms at your sides and your head cradled in the headrest. If you have long hair, it will be tucked into the headrest.

• 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 hospital gown to wear to prevent interference from belt buckles or zippers.
• Check with your physician or MRI technologist if you’ve 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