Preparing for Your Exam
CT Department
Abdomen, pelvis or chest with contrast - Nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to exam. If you are older than 60 or a diabetic you will need some lab work before the exam to ensure renal function is within normal range. Certain diabetic medications may be withheld after the exam for 48 hours. DO NOT STOP TAKING MEDICATIONS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR PHYSICIAN. Please arrive 1 1/2 hours before scan time to drink oral contrast.
Abdomen, pelvis or chest without contrast - No prep required. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time to register.
Head/brain without contrast- No prep required. Please arrive 30 minutes early to register.
Head/brain with contrast - Nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to exam. If you are older than 60 or a diabetic you will need some lab work before the exam to ensure renal function is within normal range. Certain diabetic medications may be withheld after the exam for 48 hours. DO NOT STOP TAKING MEDICATIONS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR PHYSICIAN.
Chest with contrast - Nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to exam. If you are older than 60 or a diabetic you will need some lab work before the exam to ensure your renal function is normal. Certain diabetic medications may be withheld after the exam for 48 hours. DO NOT STOP TAKING MEDICATIONS UNLESS INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY YOUR PHYSICIAN.
Cardiac imaging - Nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to exam. Lab work will be required for anyone that is a diabetic or older than 60. You will be required to take medication at specific interval several days before this exam. Your physician will give you the medication with instructions on how to take it. Once you arrive in the CT department, an imaging nurse will speak with you regarding your medical history. Please bring a list of medications you are currently taking. You will need someone to drive you home after this exam due to the medications that are given during the procedure.
Biopsy of any type - You will be given instructions by your physician as to the exact preparation necessary for this procedure. You will be required to get some lab work before the procedure. In most cases you will be sent to outpatient surgery to get ready for the biopsy. At that time, you will be asked questions regarding your medical history as well as medications you are currently taking. You will also be asked to sign a consent either by the nurse in outpatient surgery or once you arrive in the CT department. You may be given some sedation to help make you more comfortable. After the procedure, you will be taken back to outpatient surgery for recovery. Please make arrangements to have someone with you. You will not be allowed to drive yourself home.
All other procedures - If your procedure is without contrast there is no prep required. For procedures that require contrast you will need to have lab work if you are older than 60 or are a diabetic. The order for lab work will be provided by your physician. For contrasted procedures you will need to have nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to your exam.
Additional information - Once you are taken into the CT scan room, your procedure will last only between 15 and 20 minutes. For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
Diagnostic Radiology
Arthrogram - The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes with a CT or MRI of joint in question to follow. This procedure will require you to have lab work if you are taking blood thinners including aspirin. You will be asked to stop taking the blood thinners by your physician prior to and after the procedure. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. If you are taking blood thinners, please arrive 1 1/2 hours early so lab work can be completed otherwise you may arrive 30 minutes early for registration.
Barium swallow - The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time to register. The prep for adults is nothing by mouth for 2 hours before exam. The prep for infants is the infant must come hungry and should have had nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to exam. Please bring food or bottle for the infant for after the procedure.
Barium Enema - The procedure will take approximately 30 minutes. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment to register. The prep consists of nothing by mouth after midnight. You will need a prep kit that you can pick up in the imaging department or get from your physician. This kit needs to be gotten at least 2 days prior to the appointment. If you have a colostomy, you will not need a prep.
ERCP - The prep for this exam is at the discretion of the ordering physician. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to exam time for registration. The ordering physician may want to use anesthesia during the procedure. If this is the case, you will need a driver. Please have a responsible adult with you that can drive you home.
Hysterosalpingography (HSG) - This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. Your OB/GYN often performs this procedure in the imaging department. If not, then the radiologist will perform the exam. You may be asked questions regarding your menstrual cycle due to this procedure only being performed at certain times during your cycle.
Intravenous pyelogram (IVP) - This procedures takes approximately 60 minutes. If you are a diabetic or 60 years of age or older you will have to get lab work before the procedure. Diabetics may be asked to stop taking certain diabetic medications after the procedure for 48 hours. The ordering physician will give you instructions about your diabetic medications. The prep for this exam is a low fiber diet the day before the procedure. You will be asked to take two Dulcolax tablets with 16 oz water at 4 p.m. the day before the procedure and then nothing by mouth for 3 hours prior to the exam.
Myelogram - This procedure takes approximately 60 minutes. The prep for this exam is to have nothing by mouth at 4-6 hours before procedure. If you are taking blood thinners you will be asked do stop taking them 5 days prior to your exam. The ordering physician will let you know if this is safe for you. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. If you are taking blood thinners please arrive 1 1/2 hours early so lab work can be completed otherwise you may arrive 30 minutes early for registration. You will have to stay for observation in the outpatient area for at least 4 hours after your procedure. Please have a responsible adult with you that can drive you home.
Small bowel series - This exam can take 30 minutes or longer depending on how fast the barium travels through your small bowel. You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time for registration. The prep for this exam is nothing by mouth after midnight the night before your appointment.
Upper GI (UGI) -This exam will take approximately 30 minutes. You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time for registration. The prep for this exam is nothing by mouth after midnight the night before your appointment.
Other Procedures - Routine exams such as chest, abdomen and extremity X-rays do not require any prep or appointment.
Additional information - For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
MRI
Abdomen - This exam will take approximately 40 minutes.The prep for this procedure is nothing to eat 2 hours prior to appointment time. You may have fluids. During the procedure you will be asked to hold your breath several times. If you have any type of pacemaker or metal that can not be removed please notify the technologist prior to entering the scan room.
Breast - The time for this exam is approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. You will be asked to lay on your stomach for the procedure. You will be asked if you have implants and the type if you have them. Please bring outside films if you have them for the radiologists to use for comparison. You will be given contrast for the procedure. If you are older than 60 and/or a diabetic you will be asked to get lab work prior to the procedure. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to procedure to register. This procedure is only done at the Imaging Center across from the hospital. If you have any type of pacemaker or metal that can not be removed please notify the technologist prior to entering the scan room.
Extremity - This procedure takes approximately 60 minutes. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time for registration. If you have any type of pacemaker or metal that can not be removed please notify the technologist prior to entering the scan room.
Head without contrast - This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. If you have any type of pacemaker or metal that can not be removed please notify the technologist prior to entering the scan room. If you have tremors or cough the exam quality may be impaired. In this case you may need to be medicated to help control movement. If you are medicated, please have a responsible adult with you to drive home.
Head with contrast - This procedure takes approximately 30 minutes. If you are older than 60 and or a diabetic you will be asked to get lab work prior to the procedure. If you have any type of pacemaker or metal that can not be removed please notify the technologist prior to entering the scan room. Tremors or cough may impair the quality of the exam. In this case, you may need to be medicated to help control movement. If you are medicated, please have a responsible adult with you to drive home.
Spine - This procedure takes approximately 50 minutes. In most cases, you will receive contrast for this procedure. If you have any type of pacemaker or metal that can not be removed, please notify the technologist prior to entering the scan room.If you are over 60 and or a diabetic, you will be asked to get lab work prior to the procedure.
Additional information - For appointments or questions, please call (704) 660-4920.
Ultrasound
Abdomen - This exam will take approximately 30 minutes. The prep for this procedure is nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your appointment. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time for registration.
Aorta - The exam will take approximately 20 minutes. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth after midnight the night before your appointment. You may take your morning medication with a small sip of water prior to coming for your procedure. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment for registration.
Arterial - This exam will take approximately 60 minutes. There is no prep required for this procedure. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to scheduled appointment for registration.
Baby hips - This procedure takes approximately 20 minutes. There is no prep required for this procedure. Please bring a pacifier or bottle for the baby to have during the procedure. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to appointment time for registration.
Biopsy - This procedure can take up to 1 1/2 hours depending upon the location of the biopsy. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to procedure time. If you are taking blood thinners, you will be asked do stop taking them 5 days prior to your exam. The ordering physician will let you know if this is safe for you. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. If you are taking blood thinners please arrive 2 1/2 hours early so lab work can be completed otherwise you may arrive 2 hours early for registration. After registration, you will be sent sent to outpatient to get ready for the biopsy. For certain biopsies, you will be sent to outpatient for up to 4 hours of observation. Please bring a responsible adult with you to drive you home.
Breast cyst aspiration - This procedure will take approximately 60 minutes. Our suggestion is no blood thinners for several days prior to the procedure but your physician will make the decision as to hold your medications. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. If you have mammograms or breast ultrasound images from outside Lake Norman Regional that relate to your current problem, please bring those with you. You will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Gallbladder - This exam will take approximately 30 minutes. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth after midnight the night before your appointment. You may take your morning medications with a sip of water. If you require a late afternoon or evening appointment, you must have nothing by mouth for 6 to 8 hours prior to your appointment time. Please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time.
Pelvis/urinary bladder - This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes. The prep for this procedure is to drink 32 oz of water 1 hour before the appointment time. Please do not urinate until after your procedure is complete. The exam can not be performed until your urinary bladder is full. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time to register.
Thoracentesis - This procedure will take approximately 1 hour. The prep for this exam is a light meal with fluids. Do not eat heavily prior to your procedure and please do not drink soft drinks. If you are taking blood thinners, you will be asked to stop taking them 5 days prior to your exam. The ordering physician will let you know if this is safe for you. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. If you are taking blood thinners, please arrive 1 1/2 hours early so lab work can be completed, otherwise you may arrive 30 minutes early for registration. You may need a driver so please bring a responsible adult with you.
Thyroid fine needle aspiration (FNA)- This procedure will take approximately 60 minutes. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth 4 to 6 hours prior to procedure. If you are taking blood thinners, you will be asked do stop taking them 3 days prior to your exam. The ordering physician will let you know if this is safe for you. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. If you are taking blood thinners please arrive 1 1/2 hours early so lab work can be completed, otherwise you may arrive 30 minutes early for registration.
Additional information - For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
Cardiac Cath and Special Procedures
The prep for procedures in this area is given by your ordering physician. If you are having a procedure to be performed by the radiologist your instructions will be given to you at that time. When having a procedure in this area, you will asked to get lab work prior to the day of the procedure. After the procedure you will be sent to outpatient for at least 4 hours of observation. Please have a responsible adult with you to drive home.
Additional information - For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
Mammography
Screening mammogram - This procedure will take approximately 30 minutes. The prep for this procedure is do not wear powder, deodorant or perfume. You must not have been breastfeeding for at least 3 months before you can have a mammogram. If you have had previous mammograms somewhere else, please bring them with you to your appointment.
Breast biopsy - This procedure will take approximately 2 hours. The prep is that no jewelry, deodorant, powder or perfume is to be worn. The nurse liaison from women's services will contact you to answer questions about your procedure. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time to register. You will need a driver, so please bring a responsible adult with you to drive you home.
Stereotactic breast biopsy - This procedure will take approximately 60 minutes. The prep for this procedure is to have a light breakfast or lunch, take medications as usual with the exception of Vitamin E products and blood thinners. DO NOT STOP TAKING BLOOD THINNERS until told to do so by your physician. You may be asked to get lab work prior to your procedure. Please do not wear jewelry or lotion. You will need to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes. There will be no sedation given for this procedure the area is numbed prior to and during the procedure. Please bring a responsible adult with you to drive home.
Additional information - For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
Nuclear Medicine
Bone scan - This procedure will require two trips to the imaging department. The first portion of this procedure is an injection that will take approximately 30 minutes. When you get the injection, the technologist will inform you of the time you need to return for the scan portion. This is usually 3 hours later. You will need to arrive 30 minutes before the first appointment time to register for the procedure. You will not need to register a second time on your return trip.
Gallium scan - This procedure is spread out over a 5 day period of time. On the first day, you will need to arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment time to register. You will be taken into the exam room to receive an injection. You will then be given a time to return for your scans. You will come back a second time on the first day. The next 4 days, you will return at the same time for scans.
Gastric emptying study - This exam will take approximately 2 hours. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth for 6 hours before procedure. You will be given a meal consisting of eggs. If you are allergic to eggs, please inform the technologist. Please arrive 30 minutes early to register.
HIDA scan (gallbladder scan) - This exam takes approximately 1 hour. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth for 6 hours prior to procedure. You should not take any pain medications with the exception of Tylenol or Torredol for 4 hours before procedure. Please arrive 30 minutes early to register.
Thyroid scan (uptake) - This exam takes approximately 2 days to complete. The prep for this procedure is nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to appointment. The first trip, you will be here for 30 minutes to receive a capsule. You will then be asked to return in 4 hours and again in 24 hours for images to be obtained of your thyroid gland. For this procedure, it is important that you have not had iodinated contrast in the past 30 days. This includes contrast used in CT scans. You will also need to be off your thyroid medications for 3 weeks. DO NOT STOP TAKING THYROID MEDICATION until told to do so by your physician.
Stress test - The prep for this exam is no caffeine 24 hours prior to exam. Nothing by mouth after midnight the night before the procedure. You will be given an injection and then asked to walk on a treadmill to increase your heart rate. you will need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.The cardiologist will usually be present during this procedure. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to appointment time to register.
Additional information - For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
PET Scan
This procedure is done only on an outpatient basis. Please wear comfortable clothes and no jewelry. When scheduling an appointment, you may be asked questions regarding why the scan is being performed. In most cases, the ordering physician will schedule these appointments and you will not have to answer those questions. Please inform the technologist if you are a diabetic and what medications you take to control your diabetes. You may be asked to get lab work prior to the procedure if you are over 60 and or a diabetic. If you are claustrophobic, please inform scheduling when appointment is being made. If you need sedation it will be necessary to have a responsible adult with you to drive home.
Additional information - For appointments or questions please call (704) 660-4920.
DEXA
Bone densitometry - The approximate time for this procedure is 30 minutes. No prep for this procedure.