Computed Tomography Procedures

CT (Computed Tomography) IV Contrast Prep

• Patient should not eat 4 hours prior to the Computed Tomography (CT) procedure
• Patient may be requested to have blood work prior to CT exam
• If the patient has an allergy to Iodine or IV contrast, please inform our office immediately
• Patient should keep hydrated with non-caffeine fluids
• If the patient is diabetic, they may eat a light meal
• Examples:
• Toast with a fruit cup
• Cup of soup with crackers

Computed Tomography (CT) Oral Contrast Prep

• Patient cannot eat for 4 hours prior to the Computed Tomography (CT) procedure
• Patients should inform our office if they have and allergy to Iodine or IV contrast
• Patients must keep hydrated with non-caffeine fluids
• Patients who are diabetic may eat a light meal

ABDOMEN/ PANCREAS/ LIVER / STOMACH

• Drink 1/3 of the bottle 2 hours prior to exam time
• Drink 1/3 of the bottle 1 hour prior to exam time
• Drink 1/3 of the bottle 30 minutes prior to exam time

PELVIS/ RETROPERITINEUM

• Drink 1/3 of the bottle 5 hours prior to exam time (If you have an early appointment, you may drink the first 1/3 right before bedtime)
• Drink 1/3 of the bottle 2 hour prior to exam time
• Drink 1/3 of the bottle 30 minutes prior to exam time
• You may be asked to drink an additional small amount while in the CT suite.The purpose of the oral contrast is to improve the visualization of your internal anatomy.

CTA

• Patient should not eat 4 hours prior to the Computed Tomography (CT) procedure
• Patient may be requested to have blood work prior to exam
• If the patient has an allergy to Iodine or IV contrast, please inform our office immediately
• Patient should keep hydrated with non-caffeine fluids
• If the patient is diabetic, they may eat a light meal
• Examples:
• Toast with a fruit cup
• Cup of soup with crackers

Computed Tomography (CT) Myelogram Prep

• Patients should inform our office if they have allergies is to iodine, x-ray dye or Novocaine
• Patients should notify our office if they have heart valve problems
• Patients must notify our office regarding their current medication list
• Patients must bring a driver
• Patients cannot take aspirin or blood thinning medications 48 hours prior to Computed Tomography exam
• Patients will be on restricted activity for at least 48 hours after the procedure
• Patients cannot eat 3 hours prior to exam (if diabetic - may eat a light meal)
• Patient should be well hydrated and are required to force fluids the day before, the day of the exam and at least 48 hours after their exam
• Patients must bring the prescription for the Computed Tomography (CT) Myelogram
• Patients should arrive one half hour prior to scheduled exam time
• No alcohol consumption the day before or the day of the exam
• Patients must bring all medications they are presently taking in their original bottles

MRI Scan Procedures

Routine MRI Scan Prep

• No special preparation is usually required prior to the MRI Scan procedure
• Patients will be requested to remove all jewelry, watches, piercings, hearing aides, glasses, and dentures
• Patients will also be requested to completely empty their pockets prior to entering the MRI Scan suite
• Before the MRI Scan, patients may be requested to change into scrubs to avoid magnetic interference from such items as zippers or metal buttons
• Because of the potential harmful effects associated with some implanted objects, such as, but not limited to, cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, shrapnel, and foreign objects in the eyes, each patient will be screened prior to entering the MRI Scan suite
• All patients should inform our office immediately if they have any implanted items in their bodies

MR Arthrogram Prep

• Please notify our office if the patient is allergic to iodine, x-ray dye or Novocaine
• Please inform our office if the patient has a history of heart valve problems
• Do not take aspirin or blood thinning medication 48 hours prior to the MRI Scan
• Do not eat 3 hours prior to exam (if diabetic, light meal)
• Patients may have clear liquids prior to exam
• Bring prescription for the arthrogram
• Arrive one half hour prior to scheduled MRI Scan