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Click one of the links above if you are scheduled for, or would
like to know how to prepare for, one of the imaging studies listed.
Or browse the alphabetical listings below.
Arthrogram
This is a contrast study done in x-ray. A contract agent is injected
into the joint and images are taken of that joint. Your doctor may
request an MRI or CT following this study.
• Arrive 20 minutes early.
Barium Swallow or Esophogram
An Esophogram is an x-ray of the esophagus taken while drinking
a Barium sulfate solution.
• NPO (nothing by mouth) 2 – 4 hours before the exam.
BE or Barium Enema
A Barium enema is a special x-ray of your colon.
• NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight before the exam.
• Patient will need to use an enema prep kit and a mild laxative
the night before. This can be obtained free of
charge.
CT Scan (Computerized Tomography)
A CT scan is a diagnostic test that takes cross sectional pictures
of your anatomy. These pictures
are reconstructed by a computer to form a complete image. A CT scan
may require a contrast media like Barium or IV contrast to better
highlight abnormalities.
• Please notify your technologist if you are allergic to iodine.
• Water and routine medications are okay except glucophage.
• Patient must stop taking glucophage 24 hrs before the exam
and resume 48 hrs after the exam.
• Please notify your technologist if you are pregnant.
Contrast Only
• NOP (nothing by mouth) 4 hour prior to the exam.
• Abdomen/Pelvis CT Scan will require that you drink Barium,
prep. You can get Barium from your doctor or Samaritan
Imaging Center.
• Please follow directions and arrive 30 minutes early.
IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)
An IVP is a special x-ray of the urinary tract which includes kidneys,
ureters and bladder.
• NOP (nothing by mouth) After midnight before the exam.
• It is recommended to take a laxative the night before the
exam.
• Patient must stop taking glucophage 24 hrs before the exam
and may resume 48 hrs after the exam.
• Please notify your technologist if you are allergic to iodine.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
An MRI is a diagnostic test that uses a strong magnetic field, radio
waves and a computer to produce
pictures of the inside of your body.
• Some metals interfere with an MRI - let your technologist
know if you have any metal in your body.
• Wear comfortable clothing such as a sweatsuit without any
metal snaps or zippers. Avoid hairpins.
Gowns are available for your convenience.
• Pacemakers and neurostimulators (TENS units) will not be
scanned.
• Intracranial aneurysm clips will not be scanned.
• Claustrophobic patients can select a movie or listen to
the radio during their scan in the Hi-Field MRI.
• Please notify your technologist if you are pregnant.
Myelogram
A Myelogram is a specialized x-ray of the spine to determine the
presence of compression of the spine. A dye or contrast agent is
injected into the spinal canal, and rays are taken of that area.
Your doctor may request a CT following this study.
• Arrive 30 – 45 minutes early.
• NPO (nothing by mouth) 4 hours prior to the exam.
• Water and routine medications are okay except glucophage.
• Patient must stop taking glucophage 24 hrs before the exam
and resume 48 hrs after the exam.
• The exam will take 3-4 hours and you will need a driver.
Ultrasound (general and vascular)
This is a diagnostic study that uses sound waves to produce images.
A water-based gel will be used on the skin area to be imaged. Special
preparations will vary slightly based on the body part imaged.
Abdomen or aorta
• NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight before the exam.
• You may take medications with a small amount of water.
Kidneys
• No preparation required.
Pelvic
• Drink 32 ounces of water 60 minutes before your exam.
• Do not empty your bladder until after examination.
OB
• Drink 32 ounces of water 60 minutes before your exam.
• Do not empty your bladder until after examination.
Upper GI (UGI)
GI Stands for gastrointestinal, commonly known as the digestive
system. An UGI is a special x-ray of your digestive system including
the esophagus, stomach and small intestine.
• NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight before the exam.
• Patient will be asked to drink Barium during the exam.
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