Computed Tomography (CT) 128-Slice Low Dose
Some CT scans may require preparation prior to your appointment. This preparation will assist the radiologist in targeting specific areas of the body and allow an accurate diagnosis. These scans include:
- Brain, Sinus and Orbits (all with contrast) (require 4 hours of fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
- Circle Willis/Carotid Angiograms (require 4 hours of fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
- Chest Scans (require 4 hours of fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
- Abdomen and Pelvis (require 4 hours fasting – nothing to eat or drink). Please ensure to arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time, as an oral contrast medium will be administered for this procedure.
- Cardiac Angiogram and Coronary Angiogram (require 4 hours fasting – nothing to eat or drink, no smoking for 24 hours). Please ensure to arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment time, as a Beta-Blocker will be administered for this procedure. Beta-Blockers reduce the blood pressure and allow the heart to beat more slowly to ensure an accurate image of the heart.
- Pulmonary Angiogram and Thoracic Aortogram (require 4 hours fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
- Abdominal Aortogram, Renal Angiogram and Hepatic Angiogram (require 4 hours fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
- Upper/lower limb Angiogram or Venogram (require 4 hours fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
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Please check with our friendly reception staff before arriving to your appointment to confirm specific preparation procedures for your scan.
Ultrasound
Certain ultrasound procedures may require preparation before your scan. These include:
- Abdomen and Renal Artery Duplex Scans (require 6 hours of fasting – nothing to eat or drink).
- Urinary Tract Scans (including Renal and Prostate) require 4 hours of fasting. Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to your appointment, then drink 1 litre (5 cups) of water in the first 30 minutes (this allows your bladder to fill over the next hour before your appointment time). Do not pass water until after your appointment.
- Female Pelvic Scan – empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to appointment, then drink 1 litre (5 cups) of water in the first 30 minutes (this allows your bladder to fill over the next hour before your appointment time). Do not pass water until after your appointment.
- Obstetric Ultrasounds – First Trimester – Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to your appointment, then drink 1 litre (5 cups) of water in the first 30 minutes (this allows your bladder to fill over the next hour before your appointment time). Do not pass water until after your appointment.
- Obstetric Ultrasounds – Second & Third Trimester – Empty your bladder 1 ½ hours prior to your appointment, then drink 2 cups of water in the first 30 minutes (this allows your bladder to fill over the next hour before your appointment time). Do not pass water until after your appointment.
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If you are having trouble retaining a full bladder, please ask your Sonographer for assistance. If you have any quires about preparation for your specific scan, please call our friendly reception staff before arriving to your appointment.
Digital X-Ray
There is no preparation required for digital X-Ray procedures.