Radiology

Breast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses radio waves and strong magnets to make detailed pictures of the inside of the breast.

Before the test, you may need to have a contrast solution (dye) injected into your arm through an intravenous (IV) line. Because the dye can affect the kidneys, your doctor may perform kidney function tests before giving you the contrast solution.

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images (slices) of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues.

For CT procedures with IV or oral contrast: nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to procedure.

For CT biopsy and RFA procedure: nothing by mouth after midnight.

Diagnostic radiology refers to the field of medicine that uses noninvasive imaging scans to diagnose a patient.

For barium procedures: nothing by mouth after midnight. Cleansing preparation is ordered by referring physician.

For GI and small bowel procedures: nothing by mouth after midnight.

During a mammogram, two smooth plastic plates are placed around each breast, flattening it to get the best possible picture of breast tissue with the smallest amount of radiation. The plates may be moved to X-ray the breast from one or more additional positions. The same radiology procedure is repeated on the other breast.

For mammogram and breast biopsies: Do not use powder, perfumes, deodorants or lotions the day of the exam—many brands contain substances that interfere with the X-ray.

If you menstruate, it is recommended to schedule a mammogram the week immediately following your period, when breasts are usually less tender.

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty that uses radioactive tracers (radiopharmaceuticals) to assess bodily functions and to diagnose and treat disease.

For stress/rest procedures, Persantine no rest, treadmill only: no caffeine for 24 hours prior to procedure; nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to procedure.

For rest Cardiolite and thallium procedures: nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to procedure.

For lexiscan /no rest: no caffeine for 12 hours prior to procedure; nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to procedure.

For thyroid procedures: no thyroid medication for 6 weeks prior to procedure; no iodine contrast media for 4 months prior to procedure.

For ureteral procedure: Foley catheter insertion required.

For hepatobiliary procedures: nothing by mouth after midnight; no pain medication (demerol or morphine) 6 hours prior to procedure.

For gastric mucosa and Meckels procedures: Patient should have a clear fluid breakfast.

For gastro reflux procedures: nothing by mouth for 4 hours prior to procedure.

For gastric emptying procedures: nothing by mouth after midnight; notify radiology technician if you have an egg allergy.

For vitamin B12 procedures (Schilling): nothing by mouth after midnight.

For renal scan with Lasix: no diuretics for 24 hours prior to procedure; patient should be hydrated.

For renal scan with lisinopril: no blood pressure medication for 24 hours prior to procedure; patient should be hydrated.

For MIBG study: Avoid antidepressants for 6 weeks prior to procedure; avoid anti-hypertensives for 2 weeks prior to procedure; avoid sympathetic-amines for 2 weeks prior to procedure.

An ultrasound scan is a medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to capture live images from the inside of your body.

For abdominal procedures: nothing by mouth after midnight or 8 hours prior to procedure.

For pelvic procedures: Patient needs to drink completely 36 oz. of water 1 hour prior to procedure, and refrain from emptying bladder.

For pregnancy uterus procedures: Patients in the first and second trimesters need to drink completely 36 oz. of water 1 hour prior to radiology procedure, and refrain from emptying bladder.