How to Prep for an Exam

X-ray

Instructions are provided for the following services, please select from the options below:

  • Allergy Protocol
  • Barium Enema
  • Captopril Renal Scan
  • Cardiac CCTA
  • DXA - Bone Density Test
  • Hysterosalpingogram
  • Nuclear Medicine Gallbladder Studies
  • Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan and Uptake Patient Questionnaire
  • Preparing to Receive I-131: The Low Iodine Meal Plan (pdf)
  • Whole Body Iodine Scan - Thyroid Scan with Uptake - RadioIodine Therapy & Ablation

The American College of Radiology (ACR) is a national organization that publishes Practice Guidelines and Technical Standards for Radiology Services across the country. The ACR also hosts a web site for the public that has additional information about all modalities within a Radiology department such as CT, Ultrasound, MRI and Nuclear Medicine. If you would like to visit this site for more information the link is: www.radiologyinfo.org.

Barium Enema Preparation

Clear liquid diet 24 hours before the exam.

2 oz of any mild laxative, at 12:00 noon, the day before the exam. (Citrate of Magnesia 10oz)

Tap water enemas in the evening until results are clear.

Nothing by mouth until test is completed.

For the Barium Enema preparation instructions sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

Captopril Renal Scan

(Pre & post captopril renal scans are performed on the same day. IDX will schedule automatically.)

  • Patient should drink only water (~ 1 liter) and not eat 4 hours before the procedure
  • If patient is taking an ACE Inhibitor, patient should stop taking it for three days prior to procedure. Patient should call their doctor if applicable.
  • Any questions/concerns – please call Nuclear Medicine.

Current Ace Inhibitors
as of Nov 2007

Generic Drug Name Brand Name

lisinopril hydrochlorothiazide

Zestril,Prinivil,Zestoretic, Prinizide

ramipril

Altace

enalapril hydrochlorothiazide

Vaseretic, Vasotec

captopril hydrochlorothiazide

Capoten, Capozide

benazepril

Lotensin

quinapril

Accupril, Accuretic

trandolapril

Mavik

fosinopril sodium

Monopril

perindopril

Aceon

moexipril

Univasc, Uniretic

For the Captopril Renal Scan preparation instructions sheet(available in PDF format), click here.

Cardiac CCTA

*Weight limit 450lbs.**

Prescription for exam from MD.

Please bring in any Labs or Cardiac testing results.

List of all current medications, 65 or older, BUN and CREATININE lab work prior to exam.

No Viagra, Levitra, Cialis 48 hours prior to exam.

No caffeine 12 hours prior to exam, no solids 4 hours prior to exam.

Cardiology Department will call the day prior to your exam with specific instructions.

For the CCTA preparation instructions sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

DXA Bone Density

Do not take calcium supplements day of the exam.

Must wait 7 days after any Radiology procedure if performed with Iodine,
Barium, Nuclear Medicine Isotopes.

Clothing without zippers suggested.

Medicare will only cover 1 DXA every 2 years.

For the DXA preparation instructions sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

Hysterosalpingogram

Exam should be scheduled on the 10th day from the start of menstrual cycle.

Must have a pregnancy test performed and results prior to exam.

Physician prescription for exam is required.

No unprotected sex until after the test is performed.

Patient must take a mild laxative the day before the exam.

Not to be scheduled with any other Radiology exam.

If allergic to Iodine, must be put on allergy protocol.

Exam time is approximately 1 ½ hours.

For the Hysterosalpingogram preparation instructions sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

NM Gallbladder Studies

NPO (nothing to eat or drink) minimum 4hrs

If you are scheduled for CCK, please bring diagnostic ultrasound or CT report indicating there are no gallstones present.

Minimum time for exam is 1 hour. Images may be needed at 2hrs and 4hrs

For the Gall Bladder Studies preparation instructions sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

Allergy Protocol

Contrast Allergy Premedication Protocol

Prednisone 50mg. (PO) by mouth 12 hours prior to the scheduled exam or bedtime.

Prednisone 50mg. (PO) by mouth 2 hours prior to the scheduled exam.

Benadryl 50mg. (PO) by mouth 1 hour prior to the scheduled exam.

Pepcid 20mg. (PO) by mouth 1 hour prior to the scheduled exam.

For the Contrast Allergy Premedication Protocol sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

Whole Body Iodine Scan - Thyroid Scan with Uptake - RadioIodine Therapy & Ablation

PATIENT PREPARATION

  • NPO at least 6 hours
  • NO IV contrast within 4weeks (CT, Angio, Myelogram, IVP)
  • NO recently administered radioactive materials
  • NO thyroid or anti-thyroid medications, or medications containing iodine - see chart below
  • For Whole Body Iodine Scan follow Low Iodine Diet for 10 days prior to appointment

WITHDRAWAL TIMES FOR THYROID MEDICATIONS,

MULTIVITAMINS, CONTRAST AND OTHER

Type of Medication

generic name (brand name)

Recommended Time of Withdrawal

ANTITHYROID MEDICATIONS
Propylthiauracil (PTU)
Methimazole (Tapazole)
Livothyroxine
Carbimazole

5 days

THYROID SUPPLEMENTAL HORMONE
Levothyroxine sodium
(Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroid, Unithroid, Levo-T)
Armor thyroid
Eltroxin
Triiodothyronine
Thyroxine
Liothyronine sodium (Cytomel, Triostat)

2 weeks

(14 days)

Expectorants (cough syrups)

2 weeks

Iodine containing multivitamins

7 days

Kelp (seaweed)
Lugol’s or potassium iodide solutions

3 weeks

Topical iodine (surgical skin prep)

2 weeks

Radiographic IV contrast (CT, IVP, Angio, Myelogram)

4 weeks

Amiodarone (anti-arrhythmic drug)

3 - 6 months

For the Whole Body Iodine Scan - Thyroid Scan with Uptake - RadioIodine Therapy & Ablation prep sheet (available in PDF format), click here.

Nuclear Medicine Thyroid Scan and Uptake Patient Questionnaire

To download a copy of the questionnaire (available in PDF format), click here. Please bring completed questionnaire on the day of your appointment.