PATIENT PREPARATION
MRI Preparation
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Do not wear jewelry, hair pins, or piercings.
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Wear loose clothing with no metal.
MRI Abdomen, Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Adrenals, Rectum, Fistula, Pelvis
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Fast for 4 hours (nothing to eat or drink).
MRI Enterography
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Fast for 4 hours.
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Start drinking 5 cups (40 oz / 1.25 L) of water 2 hours before your exam.
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Finish drinking at least 1 hour before your appointment.
MRI Cardiac
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Fast for 4 hours.
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No caffeine or nicotine on exam day.
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Avoid erectile dysfunction medications (Cialis, Viagra, etc.) for 72 hours prior.
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Shave chest hair if necessary.
CT Preparation
General (Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis, Liver, Renal Mass)
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Fast for 4 hours (water allowed).
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No need to hold urine.
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Arrive 30 minutes early (unless otherwise instructed).
CT Kidneys and CT Pancreas
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Fast for 4 hours.
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Drink 1 liter of water starting 1 hour before your scan.
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Arrive 45 minutes early.
CT Enterography
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Fast for 4 hours.
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Drink 1 liter of water.
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Arrive 45 minutes early.
CT Abdomen/Pelvis (Specific Indications)
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Fast for 4 hours.
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Arrive 1 hour early to drink oral contrast/water.
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Indications: Gastric bypass, bowel obstruction, post-op surgery, fistula, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, ruling out small/colonic mass.
CT Cardiac Contrast Study / Calcium Scoring
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Fast for 4 hours.
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No caffeine or nicotine on exam day.
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Avoid erectile dysfunction medications for 72 hours prior.
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If heart rate > 65 bpm → arrive 1 hour early to take Metoprolol (confirm no allergies).
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Shave chest hair if needed.
Ultrasound Preparation
Abdomen (Gallbladder, Liver, Pancreas, Spleen, Bile Duct, Kidneys, Aorta)
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No eating, drinking, smoking, or chewing gum for 4 hours.
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Pediatrics: 4-hour fast; infants: 2-hour fast.
Obstetrical, Pelvis (Male/Female), Urinary Bladder
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Drink 5 cups (40 oz / 1.25 L) of water 2 hours before exam.
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Finish drinking 1 hour before exam.
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Do not empty bladder.
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Pediatrics: 16–24 oz depending on age.
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If bladder is not full, the appointment may be rescheduled.
Abdomen + Pelvis Combined
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Fast for 4 hours.
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Drink 5 cups (40 oz / 1.25 L) water 2 hours before.
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Finish 1 hour before.
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Do not empty bladder.
Transrectal Ultrasound
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Fleet enema 2 hours before (purchase at pharmacy).
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Drink 34 oz / 1 liter of water 1 hour before.
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Do not use the washroom.
Thyroid, Neck, Breast, Scrotum, Shoulder, Venous, Arterial, Carotid Doppler
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No preparation required.
Bone Density Preparation
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Bring a list of all medications and vitamins (include dosage & duration).
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Wear clothing without buttons, zippers, or denim if possible.
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Delay morning calcium supplements until after the exam.
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Inform us if you’ve had a recent barium digestive study.
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Patients will complete a questionnaire (OPEN HERE).
Mammography Preparation
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Do not use deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotions, creams, or perfumes on exam day (may interfere with results).
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Patients will complete a questionnaire (OPEN HERE).
Nuclear Medicine Preparation
Hepatobiliary Scan
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Fast for at least 4 hours (but not more than 12 hours).
Renal Scan
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Drink 2 large glasses of water (about 500 ml / 20 oz) 30–60 minutes prior.
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You may void before the exam.
Thyroid Uptake and Scan
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Fast for 4 hours.
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Discontinue thyroid hormones (Levothyroxine/Synthroid) for 4–6 weeks and PTU/Tapazole for 1 week.
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Do not take multivitamins or iodine-rich foods (kale, kelp, seaweed).
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Important: Check with your doctor before stopping any thyroid medications.
Nuclear Cardiology Preparation
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No caffeine for 24 hours: no coffee, tea (including decaf/herbal/green), chocolate, cola, or caffeine-containing medications (Tylenol #1–3, Excedrin Migraine).
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Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior. (If diabetic → light meal allowed.)
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Bring a list of all prescription medications.
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Consult your doctor about stopping certain medications before the test:
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Beta Blockers: 48 hrs prior
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Erectile Dysfunction Rx: 72 hrs prior
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Calcium Channel Blockers: 24 hrs prior
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Do Not stop medication on your own.
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Stress Test Preparation
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Wear comfortable clothing and running shoes for the exercise stress test.