How to Prepare for Your Radiology Appointment
X-Ray
There is no special preparation necessary for having x-rays. It is important to note that women who may be pregnant should not be x-rayed during the last two weeks of their menstrual cycle.
Bone Mineral Density (BMD)
It is preferable to wear clothing without zippers or fasteners (e.g. jogging suit or leggings). On the day of the examination do not take calcium supplements or iron tablets until after the examination.
Ultrasound
Abdomen: Includes studies of the gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, liver, kidneys, and aorta.
If your appointment is in the morning, do not eat or drink anything after 8 p.m. the night before. If your appointment is in the afternoon, for breakfast you may eat dry toast, black tea, black coffee, and juice up to 9 a.m. but nothing to eat or drink after that. These instructions are important as we require you to have an empty stomach.
Pelvis: Includes Transvaginal (Uterus, Ovaries, Bladder) and Pregnancy (Obstetrical)
You must have a full bladder for this examination. Please start drinking 1 1/2 hours before your appointment and finish 45 minutes before the appointed time. You must drink 3 large glasses (24 oz / 750 mL) of fluid. This can include coffee, tea, juice, water etc. but not milk. Do not go to the washroom. We will try to examine you as soon as possible on arrival so that you won’t be uncomfortable for too long. Eat the meal nearest your examination (there is no reason not to eat).
Abdomen and Pelvis combined examinations (Also G.U. TRACT)
You must have an empty stomach and full bladder. Do not eat anything within
12 hours of the examination. Finish drinking 3 large glasses (24 oz / 750 mL) of water (and only water) 45 minutes before your examination. Do not go to the washroom.
Prostate with Transrectal
Take a mild laxative the evening before your appointment (prostate only – omit laxative). Please start drinking 1 1/2 hours before your appointment and finish
45 minutes before the appointed time. You must drink 3 large glasses (24 oz /
750 mL) of water.
