Medical Imaging, Specialty-Trained Radiologists, Sports Medicine, Women's Imaging, Neuroradiology, Desert Valley Radiology | Phoenix, Arizona

Preparing for Your Exam

Preparing for an exam depends on the type of exam you are having. Not all exams require special preparation. If you questions about preparing for your exam please contact us.

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General Guidelines For the Day of Your Exam

  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your exam, unless otherwise notified. This will allow time to confirm your insurance information and fill out any necessary paperwork.
  • Bring your insurance card with you and be sure to notify us if there have been any changes to your insurance or if you have moved since the last time you visited one of our facilities.
  • If you were given a request form by your doctor’s office please bring it with you to your appointment. If you are scheduled for an annual, screening mammogram, a new referral form may not be needed.
  • Wear loose, comfortable, metal-free clothing; and be prepared to change into a patient gown if necessary.
  • Call ahead to discuss any special needs you have, such as physical limitations.
  • Bring any prior x-rays or scans with you that pertain to this exam. If a comparison is necessary, these films may be helpful to our Radiologists.
  • Notify the Technologist if you are pregnant or if there is any chance you may be.
  • For all exams, medications may be taken in the morning prior to your exam with a small sip of water.

MRI

  • Patients may eat and take medications as they normally would, unless directed otherwise by a physician.
  • Patients should wear clothing without any metal clips, ties or belts.
  • Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field, please notify us prior to your exam if you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve or any other metal inside your body. Additionally any jewelry or body piercings will need to be removed.

CT

bullet_arrow_smlCT of the Abdomen or Pelvis: For patients with Pain, Abnormal Labs, Routine Exams, Masses or Cysts: Patient must drink 64 ounces of water 3 hours prior to the exam (Patient should finish drinking 2 hours prior to the exam). It is acceptable for the patient to void. Patient must refrain from eating 4 hours prior.

bullet_arrow_smlCT of the Abdomen or Pelvis: For patients with R/O Appendicitis, Chrohn’s Disease, Colitis, Diverticulitis, Cancer history, and Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

  • If the exam is before noon the patient should drink the 1st bottle of Barium contrast material prior to going to bed, between 8-9pm, no later than 10pm. Patient must drink 1/2 of the second bottle one hour prior to the appointment. They should bring the other half to the appointment and the tech will let them know when to drink it.
  • If the patient is scheduled after noon they should drink the first bottle of Barium contrast material between 7-8am and one half of the 2nd bottle one hour before the appointment time and the other half of the bottle they should bring to their appointment and the tech will let them know when to drink it.

bullet_arrow_smlCT of the Abdomen or Pelvis: Enterography Studies: Patients are required to drink 3 bottles of specialty oral contrast called Volumen. Patient will arrive at our facility 1 hour prior to appointment to receive this contrast. Patient is to drink 1 bottle 60 minutes prior to exam, 1 bottle 40 minutes prior to exam, ½ bottle 20 minutes prior to exam and 1/2 bottle 10 minutes prior to exam. Patient must refrain from eating for 4 hours prior to exam. Consumption of water is acceptable.

bullet_arrow_smlCT Urograms/IVP: For patients with Hematuria or Microhematuria, drink 16 ounces of water 20 minutes prior to the exam and do not void. For convenience, patients will have access to drinking water at their scheduled location.

bullet_arrow_smlCT of the Brain: Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to examination unless the exam is an emergency. (Exam time 15-30 min.)

bullet_arrow_smlCT of the Neck or Chest: Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam. Consumption of water is recommended. (Exam time 30 min. – 1 hour)

bullet_arrow_smlCT of the Cervical, Thoracic, or Lumbar Spine: Patient should be able to tolerate laying flat on their back. A specialty lumbar cushion can be placed under the knees to allow for a more comfortable experience. Patient may take medications prior to exam if there is chronic pain. (Exam time 15 Minutes)

CTA

bullet_arrow_smlPatient must drink 64 ounces of water 4 hours prior to the exam (Patient should finish drinking 2 hours prior to the exam). It is acceptable for the patient to void. Patient must refrain from eating 4 hours prior.

Digital Mammography

  • It is best to schedule your mammogram the week after your period when the breast are less tender.
  • Advise the Technologist if you have any particular symptoms or can describe an abnormality. Also, be sure to mention any family history of breast cancer.
  • Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These products can often mimic breast disease.
  • Before the exam, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear that opens in the front.
  • If you have breast implants, let us know when you make your appointment so we can optimize your exam.

Ultrasound

bullet_arrow_smlAbdominal Ultrasound (Including Liver, Bile Ducts, Gallbladder, Aorta, Renal and Pancreas): Nothing to eat or drink after midnight for morning examinations. 6 hours fasting prior to afternoon exams. (Exam time 30 to 45 min.)

bullet_arrow_smlPelvic Ultrasound and First Trimester OB Studies: 2 hours before your appointment start drinking 48 oz. of water and complete drinking 1 hour prior to the exam time and keep bladder full. (Exam time 30 to 45 min.)

bullet_arrow_smlSecond and Third Trimester Ultrasound: 2 hours before your appointment start drinking 32 oz. of water and complete drinking 1 hour prior to the exam time and keep bladder full. (Exam time 30 to 45 min.)

Fluoroscopy

bullet_arrow_smlUpper G.I. Series / Small Bowel Follow-Through: Nothing by mouth after midnight. For patients having exams after 12:00 P.M., 6 hours of nothing by mouth is okay. (Exam time 30 min. for G.I.,1-3 hours for small bowel.)

bullet_arrow_smlEsophagram: This test studies the Esophagus only (food tube) and not the stomach or intestine. Nothing by mouth 2 hours prior. (Exam time 30 min.)

bullet_arrow_smlBarium Enema / Barium Enema with Air Contrast : Fleet Prep. Kit #1 for bowel cleaning. Follow instructions in the box, available through our office or at a pharmacy, for 48-hour preparation. (Exam time 45 minutes. No food or drink 2 hours prior to exam.)

bullet_arrow_smlIVP: Fleet Prep. Kit #1. Nothing by mouth after midnight.

Pediatric Examinations

bullet_arrow_smlFor all children 13 years or younger. Please call the office for exam preparation. If the mother of the child is pregnant, the child may need another adult to accompany him/her during the exam.

Image Guided Biopsy

bullet_arrow_smlPatients having biopsies and aspirations may be required to refrain from their present medications. Please discuss all of your medications with your doctor or with our staff prior to your procedure. Do not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the exam.

Please do not take aspirin or Ibuprofen in the days prior to a biopsy or aspiration. Prior to your appointment, please discuss all of your medications with your physician and let the staff know if you are taking any blood thinners. It is helpful to wear a two-piece outfit, preferably one that buttons up the front, for breast biopsies. No change of eating habits is required.