EXAM PREPARATION

IMAGING TEST PREPARATION

Preparation instructions to review prior to your diagnostic imaging appointment

Preparing for Your Imaging Appointment

Respectful Environment Policy

Merivale Medical Imaging is committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment. Aggressive behavior, harassment, intimidation, or inappropriate language toward staff or other patients will not be tolerated.

Mobile Device Policy

To protect patient privacy and confidentiality, the use of cellular phones and recording devices is not permitted within the clinic. Please power off all mobile devices upon arrival.

Scent-Free Environment Policy

Merivale Medical Imaging maintains a scent-free environment. Many patients and staff are sensitive to fragrances, which may trigger allergic reactions or asthma symptoms. Please refrain from wearing perfumes or strongly scented products.

Procedures

General Ultrasound Vascular Ultrasound Echocardiogram Elastography Procedure

ProcedureDurationPreparation
Abdominal / Pelvis (Male)45 MinsNothing to eat x 4 hours AND finish drinking 32 oz (4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time. Do NOT empty bladder.
Abdominal / Pelvis / TVP (Female)60 MinsNothing to eat x 4 hours AND finish drinking 32 oz (~ 4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to test. Do NOT empty bladder.
Abdominal30 MinsNothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time.
ABIs (Ankle Brachial Index)30 MinsNO PREP.
Arterial Doppler (arms)60 MinsNO PREP.
Arterial Doppler (legs)80 MinsNothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time.
AAA30 MinsNothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time.
Carotid Doppler30 MinsNO PREP.
Echocardiogram60 MinsNO PREP.
Extremity15 – 30 MinsNO PREP.
Musculoskeletal (MSK)15 – 30 MinsNO PREP.
Obstetrical30 – 45 MinsFinish drinking 20 oz (~2.5 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and do NOT empty bladder.
Pelvis (Male)30 MinsFinish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and do NOT empty bladder.
Pelvis / Groin30 MinsFinish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and do NOT empty bladder.
Pelvis / TRP (Transrectal)30 MinsTake a fleet enema or glycerine suppository 2 hours prior to your arrival time AND finish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time. Do NOT empty bladder.
Pelvis / TVP (Transvaginal)30 MinsFinish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and DO NOT empty bladder.
Portal Venous Doppler30 MinsNothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time.
Renal Doppler for Hypertension30 – 45 MinsNothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time.
Salivary Glands30 MinsNO PREP.
Scrotal45 MinsNO PREP.
Thyroid / Neck30 MinsNO PREP.
Venous for DVT (Both Sides)30 MinsNO PREP.
Venous for DVT (Single Side)30 MinsNO PREP.
Venous for Reflux (Single Side)30 MinsNO PREP.
Venous for Reflux (Both Sides)30 MinsNO PREP.

Bone Mineral Density Procedure

ProcedureDurationPreparation
Bone Mineral Density20 MinsDo NOT take calcium supplements the day of your test. Wear clothing without metal, snaps, buttons, zippers, etc. Bring a list of current medications. Do NOT schedule your BMD within 2 weeks of having a CT or MRI with dye.

Mammography Procedure

ProcedureDurationPreparation
Mammography20 – 30 MinsNO PREP. Book within first 14 days of menstrual cycle. Wear 2 piece outfit for convenience. Do NOT use antiperspirants, deodorants, or lotion in the underarm or breast area.

X Ray Procedure

ProcedureDurationPreparation
X-Ray10- 60 MinsNO PREP.

Nuclear Medicine Procedure

ProcedureDurationPreparation
Bone ScanPart 1: 15 – 30 Mins; Part 2: 30 – 90 MinsNO PREP. Drink 25 – 35 oz (3 – 4 cups) of fluid between Part 1 and Part 2.
Gastric Emptying Study4 – 5 HrsNothing to eat or drink after midnight. No smoking the morning of your test. Bring a list of current medications. If you are a diabetic please bring your glucose monitor and insulin.
Myocardial Perfusion Study: Rest Study (Part 1)1 – 2 HrsNO PREP. Bring list of current medications.
Myocardial Perfusion Study: Stress Study (Part 2)2 – 3 HrsNothing to eat / drink x 4 hours (diabetics x 3 hours). No caffeine x 12 hours. May need to discontinue some medications as directed by technologist during Part 1.