Breast Imaging

Breast Biopsy

Stereotactic Breast Biopsy, Ultrasound Guided Breast Biopsy, MRI Guided Breast Biopsy:

The following medications are to be discontinued for 3 days prior to your biopsy:

  • Aspirin
  • Plavix- (with ordering physician approval. Please notify our office if you are on this medication)
  • Coumadin- (with ordering physician approval. Please notify our office if you are on this medication)

The following medication needs to be discontinued 1 day prior to your biopsy.

  • Lovenox-(with ordering physician approval)

If on blood thinner, need PT/PTT/INR
(coumadin, levenox or any generic brand)

Day of Procedure Instructions:

  • Light Breakfast and A.M. medications including insulin with breakfast
  • Wash breast and underarms with plain soap and water. Your skin should be clean and free of any deodorant, perfume, powder, ointment or other preparation in your underarm area or your breast. Residue from such preparations can create misleading results.
  • Wear loose fitting clothing, such as a blouse with shirt or slacks, rather than a dress, since it is necessary to undress above the waist for the exam.
  • Wear a brassiere
  • Be prepared to spend at least two hours in our facility

Ultrasound Breast Cyst Aspiration

No preparation needed

Ductogram

No preparation needed

CT

You should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for the exam. Metal objects can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and snaps.

CT scan of the Brain/Soft Tissue Neck/Chest

  • Nothing to eat (4) hours prior to the exam. Nothing to drink (2) hours prior to the exam. Continue to take prescribed medicines with minimal water.
  • No preparation for studies requiring no I.V. contrast

CT scan of the Abdomen & Pelvis

  • Nothing to eat (4) hours prior to the exam. Nothing to drink (2) hours prior to the exam. Continue to take prescribed medicines with minimal water.
  • Requires drinking oral contrast (1) hour prior to exam. This may be picked up prior to the appointment. Please notify this office if you have a history of diabetes, asthma, kidney problems or thyroid condition or have had a previous reaction to the X-Ray contrast.
  • Some CT scans may require different preparation or possibly no preparation at all. Our schedulers will advise you on the preparation for the examination that you are being scheduled for when you make your appointment.

Dexa / Osteoporosis Scans

This is a simple examination that takes 10-30 minutes to perform. Wear loose clothing, such as a sweat suit, avoiding garments that have zippers, belts or metallic objects. Please inform our office if you recently had a barium examination within the past 7 days. Avoid taking calcium supplements the day of your exam.

MRI / MRA

Preparing for an MRI is much easier that you may think. You may eat normally the day of the exam. Do not wear any make-up, as some contain a metallic base. You will be asked to remove any jewelry, so it’s best not to wear any. Also, if you wear clothing with zippers, snaps or bra hooks, you will be asked to remove them and wear scrubs or a gown.

Some patients may experience claustrophobia when enclosed in an MRI unit. Our 3T MRI unit, limits this claustrophobia with the larger opening. Music can be played through an advanced sound system for a soothing atmosphere. If necessary, you may be given a sedative to help ease your anxiety. In that case, you will need a drive with you.

MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography)

Nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to scheduled exam. Diabetic patients should check with their physician before fasting.

Nuclear Medicine

GE Reflux & Gastric Emptying

Nothing to eat or drink (4) hours prior to exam. Must bring food and drink with you to the appointment.

Gallbladder & Meckel’s Scan

Nothing to eat for (8) hours prior to exam.

Thyroid Exam

Some medications may need to be discontinued temporarily prior to exam. Please inquire within our office.

MAG3 & Cortical Imaging

Do not skip meals. Please be well hydrated.

Bone Scans

No preparation necessary.

Thyroid, Soft Tissue & Lymph Node Biopsy

The following medications are to be discontinued for 3 days prior to your biopsy:

  • Aspirin
  • Plavix- (with ordering physician approval. Please notify our office if you are on this medication)
  • Coumadin- (with ordering physician approval. Please notify our office if you are on this medication)

The following medication needs to be discontinued 1 day prior to your biopsy:

  • Lovenox (with ordering physicians approval)

If on blood thinner, need PT/PTT/INR

Day of Procedure Instructions:

  • Be prepared to spend at least two hours in our facility

Ultrasound

Abdominal Ultrasound

(including gallbladder, kidneys, pancreas, aorta, liver and spleen)

Nothing to eat or drink 8-10 hours prior to examination. Please advise our office if you are diabetic.

Pelvic Ultrasound

Drink 36oz. of liquid one and one half hours prior to the exam to fill your bladder. Do not urinate before the examination.

Thyroid, Biophysical Profile, OB/Pregnancy, Follicle Studies, Scrotal, Breast and Doppler Studies: No preparation is required.