Test Preparation Instructions
Preparation instructions for all diagnostic imaging exams at Merivale Medical Imaging. Please follow the specific instructions provided when your appointment is confirmed.
Before You Arrive
Please review our clinic policies before your appointment.
Respectful Environment
Merivale Medical Imaging is committed to a safe and respectful environment. Aggressive behaviour, 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
Merivale Medical Imaging maintains a scent-free environment. Many patients and staff are sensitive to fragrances. Please refrain from wearing perfumes or strongly scented products.
Exam Preparation by Modality
Find your exam type below. If you have questions about your specific preparation instructions, contact Merivale Medical Imaging before your appointment.
MRI
Specific MRI preparation instructions are provided at the time of booking. Please follow the instructions given by our staff. If you have questions, contact Merivale Medical Imaging before your appointment.
CT
Specific CT preparation instructions are provided at the time of booking. Please follow the instructions given by our staff. If you have questions, contact Merivale Medical Imaging before your appointment.
Ultrasound
| Procedure | Duration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Abdominal / Pelvis (Male) | 45 Mins | Nothing 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 Mins | Nothing to eat x 4 hours AND finish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to test. Do NOT empty bladder. |
| Abdominal | 30 Mins | Nothing 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 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Arterial Doppler (arms) | 60 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Arterial Doppler (legs) | 80 Mins | Nothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time. |
| AAA | 30 Mins | Nothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time. |
| Carotid Doppler | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Echocardiogram | 60 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Extremity | 15 – 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Musculoskeletal (MSK) | 15 – 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Obstetrical | 30 – 45 Mins | Finish drinking 20 oz (~2.5 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and do NOT empty bladder. |
| Pelvis (Male) | 30 Mins | Finish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and do NOT empty bladder. |
| Pelvis / Groin | 30 Mins | Finish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and do NOT empty bladder. |
| Pelvis / TRP (Transrectal) | 30 Mins | Take 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 Mins | Finish drinking 32 oz (~4 cups) of water 45 minutes prior to arrival time and DO NOT empty bladder. |
| Portal Venous Doppler | 30 Mins | Nothing 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 Hypertension | 30 – 45 Mins | Nothing to eat/drink x 4 hours prior to arrival time. Do NOT chew gum or smoke x 2 hours prior to arrival time. |
| Salivary Glands | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Scrotal | 45 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Thyroid / Neck | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Venous for DVT (Both Sides) | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Venous for DVT (Single Side) | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Venous for Reflux (Single Side) | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
| Venous for Reflux (Both Sides) | 30 Mins | NO PREP. |
Bone Mineral Density (BMD / DEXA)
| Procedure | Duration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Mineral Density | 20 Mins | Do 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 | Duration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Mammography | 20 – 30 Mins | NO 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 | Duration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| X-Ray | 10 – 60 Mins | NO PREP. |
Nuclear Medicine
| Procedure | Duration | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Scan | Part 1: 15 – 30 Mins; Part 2: 30 – 90 Mins | NO PREP. Drink 25 – 35 oz (3 – 4 cups) of fluid between Part 1 and Part 2. |
| Gastric Emptying Study | 4 – 5 Hrs | Nothing 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 Hrs | NO PREP. Bring list of current medications. |
| Myocardial Perfusion Study: Stress Study (Part 2) | 2 – 3 Hrs | Nothing 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. |