Many imaging examinations require that patients prepare themselves ahead of time to obtain the best imaging possible. You should be told about any special preparation when your examination is scheduled. This information may also be sent to you in the mail. You can review the list of preparations for various outpatient examinations here. Preparation for inpatients occurs in the hospital, ordered by your doctor, and hospital nurses will direct you in the preparation.
- Most ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans
- Special procedures, angiography, neuroradiology, myelography, and interventional examinations
- Most GI and GU examinations including IVP (intravenous pyelogram, intravenous urogram), studies of the esophagus, stomach (upper GI) and colon (barium enema)
- Mammography (breast imaging)
- Many Nuclear Medicine studies