Frequently we have questions from patients on how to prepare and what they can expect when they are scheduled for a procedure. Below you will find each procedure with general information on how to prepare for the test and what you can expect. If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to call us. We are here to answer any questions and concerns before your scheduled appointment to ensure your experience is a great experience.
BONE DENSITY
Preparation: Patients may eat and drink but should refrain from taking calcium supplements 24 hours before the exam. Patients may be asked to change into a gown. Personal items will be locked in the changing room or locker.
What to expect: Patients will be asked to fill out a questionnaire before the exam. Most patients will be required to lie on their back on a padded table for the exam. The exam will last between 15 and 30 minutes.
CT SCAN
Preparation: Patients may be asked not to eat or drink several hours prior to their exam. Some patients will be required to change into a gown. Personal items will be locked in a locker or changing room.
What to expect: Patients may be asked to lie in on their back, stomach or side depending on what type of exam they are having done. Scan times will vary.
FLUOROSCOPY
Preparation: Patients may be asked not to eat the day prior to their exam. The patient’s physician will give detailed instructions on how to prepare for the exam. Patients may be asked to remove some or all clothing and wear a gown for the procedure.
What to expect: Patients may be asked to lie on their back, stomach or side depending on what type of exam they are having done. Procedure time will vary.
MAMMOGRAPHY
Preparation: Patients should not wear deodorant, lotion or talcum power under their arms the day of the exam, these items may interfere with the quality of the images. Patients will be asked to remove their clothing and wear a gown. Personal items will be locked up in a dressing room.
What to expect: The patient’s breasts will be placed on a special platform. The technologists will then apply some compression to the breast. Compression is required to better visualize breast tissue. Most mammograms take 30 minutes or less to perform.
MRI
Preparation: An MRI scanner uses a powerful magnet to produce the images. Patients will be asked to fill out a screening questionnaire prior to the exam. Patients will be given scrubs or a gown to wear and personal items will be locked in a locker or dressing room.
What to expect: Most MRI procedures are performed with the patient lying on their back. An MRI will take approximately 30-45 minutes to perform. If a doctor has requested multiple exams the scanning time will be longer.
NUCLEAR MEDICINE
Preparation: Some studies require patients not to eat or drink prior to the study. You may be asked to change into a gown for the procedure, personal items will be locked up during the study.
What to expect: Patients will lie on a padded examination table. Scanning times will vary.
ULTRASOUND
Preparation: Patients may be asked not to eat or drink prior to their study. You may be asked to change into a gown.
What to expect: Most patients will lie on their back on a padded table. The technologist will apply a warm gel to the area that they will be scanning. Exam will most likely take less than 30 minutes.