Examination Preparation

Important:

Unless otherwise stated, on the following pages, please continue to take your usual medications on the day of the procedure.
For children and diabetics please discuss preparation with radiology reception.
Several examinations require specific preparation. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you are unsure.

Preparation for X-Ray examinations
Barium Meal
Do not eat or drink for 6 hours prior to examination.

Barium Swallow
If only oesophagus is to be examined, no preparation is required.

Barium Enema
Click here ! for specific preparation instruction sheet which is also available from radiology reception.
Bowel preparation takes 3 days and includes a special low residue diet which must be followed prior to the examination.

Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
Low residue diet and plenty of fluids on day before examination. One tablespoon of Agarol on evening before examination. Use suppository on morning of examination. Do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to examination.

Small Bowel Series
Bowel preparation kit (available from chemist). Preparation starts midday prior to examination. Do not eat or drink for 8 hours prior to examination.

Mammogram
No perfume, deodorant or talcum powder to be used on the breast area. It is preferable to wear a two pieced outfit.

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Preparation for Ultrasound Procedures
Upper Abdomen
Do not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before your appointment.
For children and diabetics, please discuss preparation with radiology reception staff.

Kidney/renal
Do not eat for 4 hours before appointment.
Empty bladder 1 hour before appointment, then immediately drink 1 litre of water.
A full bladder is required for this examination.
For children and diabetics, please discuss preparation with radiology reception staff.

Abdomen plus Pelvic
Do not eat, drink or smoke for 6 hours before appointment.
Empty bladder 1 hour before appointment, then immediately drink 1 litre of water.
A full bladder is required for this examination.
For children and diabetics, please discuss preparation with radiology reception staff.

Pregnancy or Pelvic
Empty bladder 1 hour before appointment, then immediately drink 1 litre of water.
A full bladder is required for this examination.
For children and diabetics, please discuss preparation with radiology reception staff.

Doppler, Musculoskeletal and all others
No preparation is required.

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Preparation for Computed Tomography
Abdomen/Pelvis
Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before appointment.

Chest
Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before appointment.

Brain, Spine, Sinuses, Extremities
No preparation is necessary.

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Preparation for Nuclear Medicine
Bone scans
No preparation. Normal hydration.
After injection, you will wait 2 - 4 hours before the scan. Total examination time is 3 - 5 hours.

Renal scans
Hydrate well by drinking ample fluids (1 - 2 litres) before scan.
No diuretics on the day of the scan.
Some blood pressure medications may need to be stopped as directed by reception.
Total time for the examination ranges from 1 - 4 hours.

Thyroid scans
No iodine containing contrast media ("x - ray dye") for 2 weeks.
Thyroxine or Neomercazole medication may need to be stopped, as directed by your doctor, or reception.

Other Studies
Specific preparation is given by reception when booking.

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