EXAM PREPARATION

HELPING YOU PREPARE FOR YOUR EXAM

Depending on the type of exam you will undergo, you may need to make changes to the medication you take or when you eat or drink prior to your exam. For your exam to be successful, it is extremely important that you follow the instructions given to you. Should you have any questions about these instructions, call us immediately at the number above.

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

Photo ID
Current health insurance card
Prescription/referral or authorization paperwork
List of current medications including vitamins and herbal supplements
Previous images and reports related to your exam

GENERAL PATIENT INFORMATION

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment unless your exam prep guidelines or a member of our team advises otherwise.

Patients receiving sedation for an MRI scan must be accompanied by a friend or family member who can safely drive them home after their test is over.

PATIENTS RECEIVING IV CONTRAST

Blood work is required for the following patients within the 6 weeks of the scheduled appointment date:

• Dialysis patients

• Patients with kidney disease or failure

• Patients that have had a kidney transplant or have a single kidney

• Patients that have renal cancer or surgery

Encore Imaging may perform creatinine test at the time of scan if current lab results are older than 6 weeks. *Not offered at all clinics – subject to availability and scheduling constraints.

Patients with a history of asthma, diabetes, kidney disease, severe allergies, or prior contrast reaction MUST notify the technologist prior to the exam.

Patients with prior adverse contrast reaction must have their referring physician contact our office about premedication.

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) / MR ANGIOGRAPHY (MRA)

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam.

Remove any metallic objects (jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, etc.) and clothing with metal parts such as zippers or underwired bras, prior to exam as these may interfere with the clarity of the images.

Please make us aware if you have a history of the following:

Brain aneurysm clips
Cochlear implants or ear tubes
Electronic implantable devices
Neurostimulator
Breast Expanders
Has worked with metal
Artificial heart valve
Pacemaker

*DO NOT stop taking your medication. All medications may be taken with a small sip of water.

DIGITAL X-RAY

Please inform your imaging technologist if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam.

CT SCAN

Before Your Appointment

Arrive 15 minutes early.
Wear comfortable clothing.
Continue taking your medications unless instructed otherwise.
Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and any requested paperwork.

If your exam requires IV or oral contrast:

Oral contrast may be provided before your exam.
Do not eat for 4 hours before your appointment.
Drink plenty of water before and after your exam.
Follow any additional instructions provided by our scheduling team.

Please Notify Us If You:

Have a contrast allergy
Have kidney disease
Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
Take Metformin or other diabetes medications

What to Expect

Most CT scans take 15–30 minutes.

After Your Exam

Drink plenty of water if you received contrast.
Resume your normal diet and activities unless instructed otherwise.
Your results will be sent to your referring provider.

PET/CT SCAN

Before Your Appointment

Fast for 4–6 hours before your appointment (water only unless instructed otherwise).
Drink plenty of water before arriving.
Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before your exam.
Continue taking your medications unless your physician instructs otherwise.
Wear comfortable clothing and avoid clothing with excessive metal.
Arrive 15 minutes early with your photo ID, insurance card, and any requested paperwork.

If You Have Diabetes

Preparation may vary based on your medications and appointment time. Please notify our scheduling team before your appointment so we can provide personalized instructions.

What to Expect

Your visit will take approximately 2–3 hours.
A small amount of imaging tracer will be administered through an IV.
You’ll rest quietly for approximately 45–60 minutes before your scan.
The PET/CT scan typically takes 20–40 minutes.

After Your Exam

Drink plenty of water throughout the remainder of the day.
Resume your normal diet and activities unless instructed otherwise.
Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist, and your results will be sent to your referring provider.

Please Note: Preparation instructions may vary depending on the specific PET/CT study your physician has ordered. If additional instructions apply to your exam, our scheduling team will review them with you before your appointment.