Preparing for Your Visit

Please review the following guidelines before your imaging appointment at Tower Saint John’s Imaging. If you have previous X-rays or scans of the area being studied, bring them with you to your appointment. Continue your regular medications with a small amount of water unless instructed otherwise. Leave jewelry and watches at home, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and inform our staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

MRI / MRA (Including Breast MRI)

• You may eat and take medications as normal unless directed otherwise by your physician.
• Wear clothing without metal clips, ties, or belts.
• Please call and notify us before your exam if you have a pacemaker, glucose monitor, cochlear implant, breast expanders, artificial heart valve, or any implanted medical, electronic, or metallic device. If you are unsure whether a device or implant is MRI-safe, please contact us before your appointment.
• All jewelry and body piercings must be removed before your scan.
• For abdominal MRI/MRA exams, do not eat or drink for four hours before your appointment. You may have plenty of water.

CT (Computed Tomography)

• Do not eat or drink, except water, for four hours prior to your appointment.
• If you recently had a Barium Enema or Upper GI study, please contact our office before your exam.
• If your exam requires IV contrast and you have diabetes, kidney disease, or iodine allergies, please contact us in advance.

PET / CT

• Do not eat or drink, except water, for six hours prior to your appointment (16 oz. of water is encouraged).
• Diabetic patients should contact our office for specific instructions.
• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours prior to your exam.
• Follow a low-carbohydrate diet the day before your procedure.

Abdominal Ultrasound

• Do not eat or drink anything, including water, for eight hours before your appointment.

Pelvic & Obstetric Ultrasound

• Drink 32 oz. of water one hour before your exam. Do not empty your bladder until after the exam.

Fluoroscopy

• Please call the imaging center for specific preparation instructions for your procedure.

Mammography

• Do not use perfume, deodorant, or powder on your chest or underarm area on the day of your exam.
• You will be asked to undress from the waist up. Please wear a two-piece outfit for convenience.