A little preparation can make a big difference on the day of your scan. While our team will always provide you with specific instructions when we confirm your appointment, here are some general tips to keep in mind.
General Tips for All Scans
- Arrive on Time: Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork.
- Bring Documents: Always bring your doctor's referral letter, your ID, and your medical aid card.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear loose-fitting clothing without metal zippers, buttons, or clasps.
- Inform Us: Let our staff know if you are or might be pregnant, or if you have any medical implants or allergies.
Specific Preparation by Scan Type
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X-Ray: Generally, no special preparation is required. You may be asked to remove jewelry or clothing over the area being imaged.
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Ultrasound: Preparation varies.
- For an abdominal ultrasound (liver, gallbladder, kidneys), you will likely be asked to fast (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the scan to reduce gas in your intestines.
- For a pelvic or early pregnancy ultrasound, you will need a full bladder. We'll ask you to drink about 1 litre of water an hour before your appointment and avoid using the restroom.
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CT Scan:
- You may be asked to fast for a few hours before your scan, especially if a contrast agent is needed.
- The contrast agent may be given as a drink or injected into a vein. It helps highlight organs and blood vessels. It's normal to feel a warm sensation when the dye is injected.
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MRI:
- The most important rule is NO METAL. The MRI machine uses a powerful magnet. You must remove all jewelry, watches, hearing aids, and piercings.
- Inform us of any internal metal, such as pacemakers, surgical clips, or joint replacements, as some are not safe for MRI.
- The machine can be loud. We will provide earplugs or headphones to make you more comfortable. If you are claustrophobic, please discuss this with your doctor and our team beforehand.
Following these instructions carefully helps us get the clearest possible images, leading to a more accurate diagnosis for you and your doctor. If you have any questions before your appointment, please don't hesitate to call us.