Procedure Preparation

General patient instructions

• Please follow all exam preparation instructions provided when you schedule.
• Please bring your insurance card and photo identification.
• Plan to arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
• Bring previous reports and mammograms, X-rays or scans related to your current exam.
• Take prescribed medication according to your physician's instructions.

CT preparation

CT patients may require IV and/or oral contrast. Discuss any questions about contrast with your physician or UMIH staff at least 24 hours before the exam.

Patients requiring IV contrast

• Patients with asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, severe allergies, or a history of prior contrast reaction MUST notify the front desk staff or technologist before the exam.
• Patients with prior adverse contrast reaction MUST have their referring physician contact our office about pre-medication.
• Patients over 65 years, and patients with diabetes or kidney disease, MUST have BUN and creatinine lab results within the previous 30 days.
• Patients on Glucophage or Glucovance should withhold these medications for 48 hours following IV contrast (consult your physician before restarting).

Patients requiring oral contrast

If your doctor has requested an abdominal CT, you may have to prepare by drinking a contrast solution (barium) prior to the exam. Pick up bottles of the prep solution at your scheduled center before the day of the exam.

Important: All patients requiring either IV or oral contrast should fast for at least 4 hours prior to the exam.

MRI preparation

• Abdominal MRI, pelvic MRI, and MRCP patients should fast for at least 4 hours before the exam.
• Patients receiving IV contrast should fast 4 hours before the exam.
• Patients with pacemakers MUST NOT have MRI examinations.

Please contact us AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you have a history of any of the following: brain aneurysm clips, artificial heart valve, metal in your eyes, cochlear implants or ear tubes, or other implantable devices. Most surgically placed orthopedic devices are MRI compatible — call if you have any questions about MRI safety.

Ultrasound preparation

• Abdominal and gallbladder ultrasound patients should fast at least 6 hours before the exam (no food or drink).
• Diabetic and pregnant patients may eat a light meal prior to their scan.
• Pelvic ultrasound patients must arrive with a full bladder. Drink 32 oz of water one hour before the exam and do not empty your bladder.

Questions about your procedure?

Call (310) 943-8400 or use our contact form.