Landmark Imaging

Instructions for Adult Patient Imaging Procedures

If your exam is not listed below, there is no preparation needed.
If you are pregnant, or could be pregnant, tell the technologist or doctor BEFORE your exam.
Check with your physician before discontinuing any medication (especially if diabetic).
If sedation is required, you must have someone to drive you home (such as a friend or relative). Please do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to your exam.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

MRI Abdomen and/or Pelvis

MRI of Prostate

Follow the instructions for the Fleet Enema Kit #1 one hour prior to arriving at the imaging center.

CT Scan of head (brain), neck, chest, extremity, or CT Angiogram

Without Intravenous Contrast

With Intravenous Contrast

Encourage fluids starting 24 hours prior to the exam, then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
If the scan is in the morning: clear liquids only after midnight, then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
If the scan is in the afternoon: regular breakfast followed by clear liquids for up to 4 hours prior to the exam; then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
You may take medications if necessary with small sips of water.

CT Scan of abdomen with IV contrast

Encourage fluids starting 24 hours prior to the exam, then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
If the scan is in the morning: clear liquids only after midnight, then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
If the scan is in the afternoon: regular breakfast followed by clear liquids for up to 4 hours prior to the exam; then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
You may take medications if necessary with small sips of water.
Arrive 60 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

CT Scan of pelvis with IV contrast

Encourage fluids starting 24 hours prior to the exam, then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
If the scan is in the morning: clear liquids only after midnight, then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
If the scan is in the afternoon: regular breakfast followed by clear liquids for up to 4 hours prior to the exam; then take nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam.
You may take medications if necessary with small sips of water.
Arrive 60 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time.

Ultrasound

Pelvic Ultrasound

Eat normally. One hour before your exam, drink 40 oz (5 glasses) of non-carbonated fluids and do not urinate.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Do not eat or drink 8 hours prior to exam. (However, you may take medications with small sips of water).