Patient Preparations

Patient Preparations - MRI

What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI for short - is a diagnostic tool that allows your physician to see pictures of the inside of your body without surgery and without using potentially harmful radiation. It incorporates the latest technologies into a procedure that has no known harmful side effects.

How Does Open MRI Work?
MRI uses two forces found everywhere in the world: magnetism and radiofrequency waves. When you lie under the magnet, the hydrogen atoms in your body naturally align themselves in a position to receive radio signals form the MRI. As the MRI sends these signals, your body responds with signals of its own. These transmitted body signals are processed by a computer and turned into images.
In certain cases, your doctor may order a contrast agent used to enhance the images they obtain. This agent is a liquid injection and generally will not cause any discomfort. This procedure can improve the visibility of organs or structures, and it will also help differentiate between post surgical changes.
While the majority of patients do not require this injection, it may be necessary if you have had previous surgery or to assist in the diagnosis of certain diseases. Remember - MRI is a safe and painless procedure.

What Is The Difference Between Traditional MRI And Open MRI?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI for short - is a diagnostic tool that allows your physician to see pictures of the inside of your body without surgery and without using potentially harmful radiation. It incorporates the latest technologies into a procedure that has no known harmful side effects.

How Should I Prepare For My MRI Exam?
You may eat normally and take routine medications before coming to the MRI center. MRI doesn't require fasting or special diets or medication. Patients are encouraged to continue with their regular work schedule and lifestyle.

What Should I Wear To The Exam?
You can wear whatever you like to the exam, but it is a good idea to leave jewelry and other valuables at home.

It is important that you do not have any metal objects on your body as this could interfere with the exam. Please do not wear any makeup, including mascara or hairspray, as some of these products contain metallic particles.

Where Does The Exam Take Place?
The MRI exam takes place in a specially shielded room. You are welcome and encouraged to bring someone with you to sit in the room while you have your MRI exam. The person accompanying you will have to be screened for metal safety. A technologist will offer you a blanket and pillows to make sure that you are as comfortable as possible. You can listen to the radio or bring a favorite CD or tape to help you relax. The technologist will sit beside a window that looks directly into the exam room and will maintain constant contact with you throughout the exam.

What Do I Need To Do During The Examination?
The most important thing to do during your MRI exam is to remain as still as possible. Just like when you take a photograph with your camera, if you move, the picture comes out blurry.

If you are on pain medication, it is important that you take it before you leave home and have someone drive you to the exam. If your doctor has prescribed a sedative, take as prescribed. You will also need to have someone drive you home if you have taken any sedation medication.

When Can I Expect Results?
A Radiologist will review your examination and prepare a report of the findings for your physician. Your physician will then share the results of the report with you. Our staff is happy to work with you to help you achieve and complete a successful MRI examination. Please let us know how we can help you to make this possible.

What Is Magnetic Resonance Imaging?
Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI for short - is a diagnostic tool that allows your physician to see pictures of the inside of your body without surgery and without using potentially harmful radiation. It incorporates the latest technologies into a procedure that has no known harmful side effects.

IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW -
  • If you have any surgically implanted metal items such as a cardiac pacemaker, wires, or cerebral aneurysm clips.
  • If you have any metal objects such as cochlear implants.
  • If you have any Prosthetic devices.
  • If you are pregnant (first trimester).
  • If you have worked with or been injured by metal fragments.

Make sure that your physician and MRI staff are aware of these conditions, you may need additional imaging before your appointment to ensure your safety during the MRI procedure. If you have any doubts or questions, be sure to ask! Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at: (203)288-3068
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Patient Preparations - CT Scans

Abdomen w/o IV Contrast
Drink two thirds of the Redicat 2 hours before exam. Bring the rest of the drink with you to your appointment.

Abdomen w/ IV Contrast
Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam. Drink two thirds of the Redicat 2 hours before exam. Bring the rest of the drink with you to your appointment.

Pelvis w/o IV Contrast
Drink two thirds of the Redicat 2 hours before exam. Bring the rest of the drink with you to your appointment.

Pelvis w/ IV Contrast
Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam. Drink two thirds of the Redicat 2 hours before exam. Bring the rest of the drink with you to your appointment.

Abdomen/Pelvis w/o Contrast for Kidney Stones
No Preparation.

Chest w/ IV Contrast
Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to exam.

CT-IVP
Day of exam: nothing to eat or drink. Day before the exam: normal supper, clear liquids until midnight. Take oral laxative evening before exam as follows: 1 single dose bottle citrate of magnesia.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203) 288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound
Drink four (4) 8 oz. glasses of water 1 hour prior to your appointment time. Please do not empty your bladder before exam.

Renal Ultrasound
No Preparation.

Abdominal Ultrasound
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

Testicular Ultrasound
No Preparation.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203) 288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Mammography

Your doctor has asked that you have a mammogram. This will help answer some of the most common questions.

Preparation:
Please do not use any powder, creams or deodorants before your mammogram. These may interfere with the accuracy of the x-rays. If you are, or think you may be pregnant, please inform the technologist.

What is a mammogram?
It is a method of examining the breasts by using low dose x-rays. This simple, painless procedure helps to detect tumors and cysts which may be too small to be felt during a manual breast exam. This procedure will be performed by a technologist certified in mammography.

What happens during mammography?
You will be asked to undress from the waist up and remove jewelry from the area to be x-rayed. You will be given a front-opening gown to wear. You will stand in front of the machine and your breasts will be x-rayed, one at a time. Compression, using two plastic plates, will help flatten the breast so that the best possible exam can be achieved with the lowest dose of radiation. You will be asked to wait a few minutes while the films are developed.

Is there any discomfort?
The compression of the breast may cause temporary discomfort. To minimize this, the exam should be scheduled for the week following menstruation when the breasts are their smallest and least tender. The discomfort will be relieved as soon as compression is released.

How long will it take?
The entire exam is usually completed in 15 - 20 minutes.

When will the results be available?

The American Cancer Society Recommends:
  1. An initial mammogram between age 35 - 39 as a baseline.
  2. Annually starting at age 40.
  3. Women who have had breast cancer or have a mother/sister who had breast cancer may need mammography more frequently or beginning at a younger age.
  4. Mammography generally is not recommended for women under age 30.

Monthly self breast exams are also highly recommended. Someone on our staff would be happy to demonstrate this if you need assistance.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - General Radiography

Examinations:
Chest, Abdominal, Extremities, Spine (Cervical, Dorsal, Lumbosacral), Skull, Pelvic, And Shoulder

There are no preparations for these examinations. You will be asked to remove any clothing with snaps, buttons, or metal. Also, any jewelry may need to be removed.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Bone Scan

What Is A Bone Scan?
A bone scan generates pictures of the skeleton. It is a sensitive test that provides unique information about bone and joint abnormalities not available by other tests.

To Prepare:
There is no preparation for this test. If there is a chance you may be pregnant or if you are breast-feeding, please tell the technologist before the test.

What To Expect:
  1. A technologist will give you an injection of a radioactive material that accumulates in the bones. There are no known side effects from this injection. After the injection, drink fluids and maintain moderate levels of activity. You will be asked to empty your bladder right before the scan as a full bladder can hide some of the pelvic bones.
  2. Images are acquired about 2.5 hours after the injection to allow time for the radioactive material to be absorbed into the bones. For the study, you will be asked to lie down on the imaging table. The scanner will be above and below the table and will slowly move until the body is registered. Additional "spot" views or a tomographic study (SPECT) may be needed to clarify or better image selected regions. The scan takes from 45-80 minutes. Once the exam is complete, a radiologist will review the images and report the results to your physician.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - CCK Hida Scan

Your doctor has ordered a CCK Hida Scan to assess gallbladder anatomy and function.

Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. You must fast for six hours prior to your exam. You may take your medications with a sip of water. No prescription pain medications 24 hours before exam.
  2. A small needle will be inserted in your arm and you will have an injection of a radioisotope.
  3. You will be asked to lie still during the images. The time for this first scan is 90 minutes.
  4. An injection of CCK (Cholecystokinin) administered by the technologist will be given through an IV. Images will be taken for 25 additional minutes.
  5. Following the examination you may resume normal activities.

Medication:
CCK (Cholecystokinin) is a medication given to contract the gallbladder to assess gallbladder function. During the injection you may experience abdominal cramping or pain and nausea, however this will pass quickly. (It may be the same discomfort that brought you to the doctor originally).

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Gallium Scan

Your doctor has requested that you have a Gallium Scan. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. You will be given an appointment for a gallium injection. This will take 5 minutes.
  2. You may be asked to take a laxative (Citrate of Magnesia) at home or two days after your injection and before scanning begins. The technologist will instruct you.
  3. The scan will take approximately 1.5-2 hours. After the scan is completed, the technologist will show all the images to the radiologist.
  4. Following the examination you may resume normal activities.
  5. You may need to return for additional images 1-2 days later.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
Patient Preparations - Gastric Emptying Study

What is a Gastric Emptying Study?
A G.E.S. is a procedure that measures the rate at which food empties from the stomach and enters the small intestine.
  1. Fast - nothing by mouth for at least 8 hours.
  2. If there is any chance you might be pregnant or if you are breast feeding, please tell the technologist before the test.

What to expect:
You wil eat a meal (usually beef stew) in which a small amount of radioactive material is mixed in. A scanner (acting like a Geiger counter) is placed over the patient's stomach to monitor the amount of activity in the stomach over a couple of hours. The rate at which the radioactivity leaves the stomach reflects the rate at which food is emptying from the stomach.
Patient Preparations - Indium White Blood Cell

Your doctor has ordered an Indium white blood cell study to evaluate for abscess, infection, osteomyelitis, or fever of unknown origin. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. There is no preparation for this exam.
  2. Your blood will be drawn in the morning and be sent to a lab to be tagged with Indium. You will then need to return that afternoon to be re-injected with your tagged cells. These two visits will take approximately 10 minutes each.
  3. You will be scanned at 24 hours and occassionally 48 hours after injection.
  4. These scans will take approximately one hour each.
  5. Following the exam you may resume normal activities.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Renal Scan

A renal scan evaluates the structure and functions of the kidneys. Different types of renal scans (or Renograms) allow the evaluation of different renal functions and specific abnormalities of the urinary system.
Types Of Renal Scans
  • Functional renal evaluation for arterial hypertension (Captopril Renogram) is performed with and without the administration of a drug that inhibits an enzyme. This is a two day procedure. First day is one hour in duration. Second day is two hours in duration.
  • Evaluation of urinary obstruction (Diuretic Renogram) is performed with administration of a diuretic to evaluate the site and presence of obstruction.
  • Evaluation of renal lesions (infection, scars, tumors) requires a scan and tomography (SPECT) of the kidneys using a substance that is retained by the kidneys.
  • Following the exam you may resume normal activities.
To Prepare:
  1. Drink plenty of fluids the day of the study.
  2. According to the type of study requested, you may need to discontinue certain medications. Our technologist will instruct you at the time of scheduling.
  3. If there is a chance you may be pregnant or if you are breast-feeding, please tell the technologist before the test.

What To Expect:

You will need to empty your bladder right before the scan. A technologist will give you an injection of a radioactive material that is taken up and excreted or retained by the kidneys. There are no known side effects from this injection.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with the technologist performing your examination.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Technetium White Blood Cell

Your doctor has ordered a Technetium white blood cell study to evaluate for abscess, infection, osteomyelitis, or fever of unknown origin. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. There is no preparation for this exam.
  2. Your blood will be drawn in the morning and be sent to a lab to be tagged with Technetium. You will then need to return that afternoon to be re-injected with your tagged cells. The first visit will take about 10 minutes, the second visit will take about 20 minutes.
  3. You will be scanned at 4 hours and possibly 24 hours after injection of tagged cells.
  4. Following the exam you may resume normal activities.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Thyroid Scan

What Is A Thyroid Scan?
A thyroid scan is a test that allows the doctor to evaluate the size, structure and function of the thyroid gland.

To Prepare:
  1. Thyroid medications may need to be discontinued. Consult with your doctor. If indicated, thyroid replacement therapy for the treatment of "underactive" thyroid may need to be discontinued for 3 weeks before the thyroid scan can be performed. Please bring a list of your medications on the day of the study and inform the office when making the appointment.
  2. If you have had x-rays using contrast agents (i.e. renal x-ray studies, CT with contrast, angiography) within the last 6 weeks, consult with your physician and let the technologist know. The iodine present in contrast agents can interfere with the thyroid test.
  3. If you have had x-rays using contrast agents (i.e. renal x-ray studies, CT with contrast, angiography) within the last 6 weeks, consult with your physician and let the technologist know. The iodine present in contrast agents can interfere with the thyroid test.
  4. If there is a chance you may be pregnant or if you are breast-feeding, please tell the technologist before the test.

What To Expect:
A technologist will give you an injection of a radioactive material. There are no known side effects from this injection. It takes about 10 minutes for the material to concentrate in the thyroid gland. This radioactive material is eventually eliminated through your urine, so you will need to drink plenty of fluids after the completion of your exam.

You will be asked to lie down on the imaging table. The nuclear scanner will be positioned above your face and neck and will take various images of your thyroid gland. The scan takes about 30 minutes. It is not uncommon for a thyroid ultrasound to be done afterward to obtain additional information.

Once the exam is complete, a radiologist will review the images and report the results to your physician. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with the technologist performing your examination. Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Thyroid Uptake

What Is A Thyroid Uptake Scan?
A thyroid uptake is a test that allows the doctor to check for functional disorders of the thyroid by evaluating the ability of the gland to remove iodine and process it into thyroid hormone.

To Prepare:
  1. You must fast for 4 hours before the test. You may drink water. 45 minutes after receiving the iodine, you may resume eating.
  2. Thyroid medications may need to be discontinued. Consult with your doctor. If indicated, thyroid replacement therapy for the treatment of "underactive" thyroid may need to be discontinued for 3 weeks before the thyroid scan can be performed. Other "anti-thyroid" drugs" used to treat an overactive thyroid gland may have to be discontinued for 5 to 10 days. Please bring a list of your medications on the day of the study or inform the office when making the appointment.
  3. If you have had x-rays using contrast agents (i.e. renal x-ray studies, CT with contrast, angiography) within the last 6 weeks, consult with your physician and let the technologist know. The iodine present in contrast agents can interfere with the thyroid test. If there is a chance you may be pregnant or if you are breast-feeding, please tell the technologist before the test.

What To Expect:
A technologist will give you a capsule of radioactive iodine. There are no known side effects from this capsule.

The next day, you must return to the Center and a measurement of the redioactivity will be made over the thyroid gland. If you are having a thyroid uptake and a thyroid scan, allow up to 1 hour for completion of the study. Once the exam is complete, a radiologist will review the images and report the results to your physician.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to speak with the technologist performing your examination.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Upper GI

Your doctor has requested that pictures of your stomach and upper G.I. tract be taken. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. Enjoy your supper.
  2. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. You may take your medications with a sip of water.
  3. You will be asked to drink barium and as you are drinking, the technologist and radiologist will take pictures. This exam may take approximately 1 hour.
  4. Eat normally after your exam, however, you will need to force fluids for 24 hours unless you have been advised to restrict fluids for medical reasons.
  5. If your doctor has also requested a small bowel series, you may be required to drink additional barium and pictures will be taken at certain times. If you are also having a small bowel series in addition to your G. I. series, the exam may take several hours. Please see patient preparations for small bowel series.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Small Bowel Series

Your doctor has requested that pictures of your small bowel be taken. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. Eat a low residue diet and drink lots of liquids the day before the exam.
  2. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight. You may take your medications with a sip of water. Mild laxative (1 bottle of Magnesium Citrate or 3 tablets of Dulcolax) on the afternoon before the day of the exam. Morphine, Codeine, Demerol or Lomotil should not be administered for 24 hours prior to the day of the exam.
  3. You will be asked to drink 2-6 cups of barium and pictures will be taken at certain times.
  4. This exam may take several hours, generally between two and six hours.
  5. Eat normally after your exam, however, you will need to force fluids for 24 hours unless you have been advised to restrict fluids for medical reasons.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
Patient Preparations - Barium Enema (BE)

To Prepare: Fleet #1 can be purchased at any pharmacy.

Day Before Exam:
  1. Have a liquid breakfast, lunch and dinner (clear liquides only i.e. jello, broth, tea, coffee, soda. NO MILK.
  2. At 5:00 pm, follow the directions on Fleet #1.
  3. Do not have anything to eat or drink after 10:00 pm.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203) 288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Dysphagia Study/Video Esophagram

Your doctor has requested that pictures of your esophagus be taken. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. Have nothing to eat or drink 2 hours before your appointment time.
  2. You will be asked to swallow different consistencies of solids and liquids. As you swallow, a video will be made to evaluate your swallowing mechanism.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - Esophagram

Your doctor has requested that pictures of your esophagus be taken. Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. Have nothing to eat or drink 2 hours before your appointment time.
  2. You will be asked to drink barium and as you are drinking, the technologist and radiologist will take pictures. This exam may take approximately 1/2 hour.
  3. Eat normally after your exam, however, you will need to force fluids for 24 hours unless you have been advised to restrict fluids for medical reasons.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203)288-3068.
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Patient Preparations - IVP

Please follow these simple instructions so that we may best serve you.
  1. Day before exam: Normal supper - clear liquids only until midnight.
  2. Oral laxative evening before as follows: 1 single dose of citrate of magnesia.
  3. Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.

Please notify us if you are diabetic so that we may advise your physician on the appropriate preparations.

Thank you for choosing to have your examination at Whitney Imaging Center. We hope this has been helpful, but should you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to call us at (203) 288-3068.
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