Preparing for medical treatment

How to prepare and what to expect during a CT scan?
The radiologic technologist will place electrodes that are connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor, which shows the electrical activity of your heart during the test. An intravenous (IV) line will also be placed in a vein in your arm to administer a contrast agent during the procedure (medicines may also be administered to slow the heart and improve the quality of the image). While lying on the scanning table you will be asked to raise your arms above your head during the scan to improve image quality. The quality of the image may resemble the blurring of the object seen in the photograph. You will also be asked to hold your breath during the scan as movements during the scan (breathing and body movements) lead to artifacts in the images. This loss of image quality can be crucial for wrong diagnostic interpretation (notify staff if you have trouble holding your breath for 5 to 15 seconds).

How to prepare for breast examination?
If possible, get a breast examination between day 5 and day 10 of your menstrual cycle. Bring along your previous findings and pictures so we can compare if changes have occurred. Before mammography and MRI examination, DO NOT use deodorant, antiperspirant, powders, lotion, creams and perfume on the chest or armpits, as the metallic particles in these items are visible on examination and may cause a diagnostic dilemma.

How should you prepare for Gastroscopy?
You have to go for an examination on an empty stomach. The examination is usually done in the morning. Doing a checkup in the afternoon implies that no food or drink should be consumed 12 hours before the checkup, and smokers should not smoke for at least three hours before Gastroscopy. All other instructions will be shared with you while scheduling the appointment or by e-mail.

How will you prepare for a colonoscopy?
Cleaning usually takes few days and is more complex than preparing for other medical exams, so we will share with you all necessary instructions few days prior your arrival in person or we’ll email them.

How will you prepare for a CT scan?
Prior to CT scans, remove any metal objects in the reach of imaging area in order to avoid creating artifacts which could cause incorrect scan image. It would be recommendable to bring fresh blood results of urea and creatinine, in case you should receive an application of contrast. Please inform our staff about current medications or allergies. Also, mention if you have been suffering from anything or if you have had a medical procedure or have undertaken certain surgery. Please also bring along all your medical history. It is very important to notify staff in case of pregnancy as the examination, then, cannot be carried out. For some tests you will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours before the examination, ie. depending on the type of CT scan. More detailed instructions you will receive when scheduling the appointment.

How to prepare for an MRI?
Wear comfortable clothing and leave metallic items such as jewelry, money, metals, and other items in the dressing room. Remove hearing aids and dentures. Non-MRI patients are patients with a built-in pacemaker (not compatible with the MRI device) or items made of ferromagnetic materials.

The intravenous contrast (IV) and preparation.
Before any MRI, it would be advisable to have urea and creatinine blood results, so that our doctors can evaluate whether they can give you IV contrast. If you are a kidney patient, then urea and creatinine are compulsory. Inform your doctor and technologist of previous surgeries, metal implants or pacemakers. Tell your doctor or technologist if you are claustrophobic or unable to lie down for a longer period because of pain. For an abdominal examination, it is important that you do not eat or drink for at least four hours before the examination, but it is best to arrive with an empty stomach. As to the medications you are taking each day, please continue to do so regardless of the upcoming MRI examination.

How will you prepare for an X-ray?
Most X-ray examinations do not require preparation. It is important to know why you are coming or better yet if you have a referral from a doctor who referred you for an X-Ray. In principle, it is not necessary to arrange appointment ahead, but it would be good if it is announced earlier.

How do I prepare for my barium examination?
For the esophagogram, (the upper part of the digestive system), as for the small intestine examination, you should refrain from eating or drinking after midnight, a day ahead of the examination. It means you should be on an empty stomach. If you are taking any medication you will take it right after an examination. For the lower part of the digestive system, you will receive instructions when scheduling the appointment. The examination is usually done in the morning. More detailed instructions are available when scheduling the appointment.

In principle, preparation for an ultrasound examination is not required, except for some examinations, such as the abdominal ultrasound. For that it is required to come on an empty stomach. When scheduling the appointment, the staff will give you all the necessary preparation instructions.

What should I expect during an ultrasound examination?
You will lie down on the table, the doctor will put a gel on your skin and examine the part of the body that it to be examined. Typical ultrasound scans does not take more than 15 minutes.

What are the risks?
There are no known risks for an ultrasound examination.