FOR PATIENTS

Procedure Preparation

General Patient Instructions

  • Please FOLLOW ALL exam preparation instructions.
  • Please bring your insurance card and identification.
  • Plan to arrive 30 MINUTES PRIOR to your scheduled appointment.
  • Please BRING previous reports and Mammograms, X-Rays or scans related to your current exam.
  • Take prescribed medication according to your physician’s instructions.

CT Instructions

CT patients may require IV and/or oral contrast. Please review with your physician and/or UMIH staff if you have any questions regarding contrast, at least 24 hours prior to your 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 and/or technologist prior to their exam.
  • Patients with prior adverse contrast reaction MUST have their referring physician contact our office about pre-medication.
  • Patients over 65 years MUST have lab results for BUN and CREATININE within the previous 30 days.
  • Patients with a history of diabetes or kidney disease MUST have lab results for BUN and CREATININE 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. You will have to pick up bottles of the prep solution prior to your scheduled exam. Please call the center where you are scheduled to receive your radiology services if you have any questions.

MRI Instructions

  • 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 the following:

  • Brain aneurysm clips
  • Artificial heart valve
  • Metal in your eyes
  • Cochlear implants or ear tubes
  • Other implantable devices
  • Most surgically placed orthopedic devices are MRI compatible

Please call us if you have any questions about MRI safety.

Ultrasound Instructions

  • 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 come to their appointment with a full bladder. Patient should drink 32 oz of water one hour prior to the exam time and not empty their bladder.
  • Please call the center where you are scheduled to receive your radiology services if you have any questions.
  • All patients requiring either IV or oral contrast should fast for at least 4 hours prior to their exam.