Patient Procedure Preparation

Intravenous contrast procedures
If allergic to iodine, notify the department prior to your examination at 770.229.6908.
Do not eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to the procedure.
Patients 50 and over must have a BUN/Creatinine Lab test within 30 days.
Abdomen and/or Pelvis exams
Patients with a diagnosis of hematuria or kidney stone will be performed without oral contrast. No other preparation is needed.

All other abdomen/pelvis exams will need a Redi-Cat (oral contrast) kit picked up by the patient from the Radiology File Room which is located within Outpatient Services at the hospital. Instructions will be given with the kit. Outpatient Services has its own entrance and parking.

Mammography Preparation

The best time to schedule your mammogram is for the week following your period. This is because your period may cause your breasts to be more sensitive and tender than usual.

If there’s a possibility that you are pregnant your doctor or the technologist must be informed prior to the test being conducted. Other preparations that you should make are:

Do not wear deodorant, powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts. They can appear on your mammogram as calcium spots.
Tell your doctor and the technologist of any breast symptoms or problems that you have been experiencing.
If you had any mammograms at other facilities, bring copies of the films with you so that the radiologist can compare the results.

MRI Magnetic Resonance Imaging Preparation

Please notify the MRI department at 770.228.2721 extension 3455 immediately if you have the following:

Pacemaker
Aneurysm clips
Metal fragments
Claustrophobia
Any implants not previously mentioned
Exposure to metal via hobby or occupation

If breastfeeding, we recommend that all nursing mothers who receive Gadolinium administration as part of an MRI exam should pump and discard their breast milk for 24 hours following the Gadolinium administration before resuming breast feeding.

Nuclear Medicine Preparation

HIDA scans
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the exam.
GI Bleeding scans
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the exam.
Meckles scans
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the exam.
Hemangioma scans
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the exam.
Bone scans
Stay well hydrated.
Renal scans
Stay well hydrated.
Thyroid scans
Patients must not have had iodine contrast within the last 30 days prior to the exam.
Patients must stay off of thyroid medications for 7 days prior to the exam.

PET/CT Scan Preparation

No strenuous activity 24 hours prior to your examination.
No eating 6 hours prior to your appointment. A small amount of water is allowed.
Patient may take medications if they can be tolerated on an empty stomach.
Wear warm, loose fitting clothing. It may be necessary to remove clothing for the scan.
Do not wear metal or jewelry.
Claustrophobic patients or patients that can not lie flat for 30 minutes must make prior arrangements with their physician for medication. If medication is prescribed, the patient must have a friend or family member drive them home.
Insulin dependant diabetic patients should take their insulin 4-6 hours prior to the exam only if necessary. The patient’s blood glucose must be 200 or less for the exam.
The table weight limit is 425 pounds.
Oxygen dependant patients should bring their own oxygen from home.

Ultrasound Preparation:

Pelvic or Obstetrical exam
Drink at least 32 ounces of water starting one hour before the examination.
Keep bladder full for the examination.
Gallbladder or Pancreas exam
The day before the exam eat a “fat free” dinner.
Do not eat eggs, butter, or fried fatty foods.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Diabetic patients and others with special needs should call the department at 770-228-2721, extension 3168.
Abdomen exam to include the kidneys, liver, and spleen
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Aorta exam
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Breast exam
Please provide any previous Ultrasound of the breast or mammogram that was not performed at Spalding Regional Hospital