Routine chest, abdominal & bone studies
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- The exam will be quick and painless.
- You may be asked to change into a gown, depending on the body part being x-rayed.
- Once the technologist performs a quality verification on the images, you will be able to leave.
Esophogram
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to remove any necklaces and/or earrings & change into a gown.
- Once the procedure is begun, you will drink a barium solution. The flow of the barium through your esophagus will be followed on a TV monitor. "Spot film" images will be taken at various points with you in various positions.
- Total estimated procedure time: 10-15 minutes.
Upper GI
PREP:
- NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to remove any necklaces and/or earrings & change into a gown.
- Once the procedure is begun, you will drink a flavored barium solution. If the study is to be an "Air Contrast GI", you will also swallow some crystals to provide air within your stomach.
- The progression of the barium through your esophagus & into your stomach will be followed via TV monitor. You will be placed in various positions to facilitate the exam. At various points in the exam "spot films" will be taken.
- Total estimated procedure time: 15-20 minutes.
Small Bowel
(NOTE: Small bowel studies are often, but not always, done in conjunction with Upper GI exams.)
PREP:
- Bring all medications with you so they can be taken at the Center once the exam has started.
- NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight.
- Notify the technologist is there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- If you are having the small bowel study in conjunction with an Upper GI, all of the expectations under "Upper GI" apply.
- The barium's progression throughout the entire small bowel will be followed with serial images taken at various intervals, usually every 30 minutes.
- Total estimated time of procedure: Varies upon transit time of the barium within the small bowel. Usually about 2 hours.
Small Bowel via Enteroclysis Tube
PREP:
- NPO (nothing by mouth) after midnight.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- In the Procedure Room, you will lie on an x-ray table.
- Your nose & throat will be anesthetized with a spray or jelly.
- A tube will be passed through your nose & into your stomach/small bowel.
- A barium solution will be injected into the tube so that it passes into your small bowel.
- The progression of the barium will be followed on a TV monitor with "spot film" images being taken at various points.
- At the completion of the procedure the tube will be removed and you will be able to leave.
- Total estimated procedure time: 1 hour.
Colon (Barium Enema, with or without Air Contrast)
PREP:
- Take all medications prescribed to you as you normally take them.
- A low-residue diet must be followed for 3 days prior to the exam. Foods included in a low-residue diet are noodles, rice, ripe bananas, saltines, melba toast, white toast, clear broth, strained fruit juices, Jell-O, eggs, and baked or broiled chicken or fish. Milk products, vegetables and nuts should be avoided.
- 2 days prior to the Exam: Pick up a LoSo Prep bowel cleansing system from XRC Medical Imaging Center
- Day Prior to the Exam (Day 3 of the low-residue diet): Follow the instructions on the LoSo Prep bowel cleansing system for day before procedure.
- Day of Exam: Follow the instructions on the LoSo Prep bowel cleansing system for day of procedure.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Upon arrival, you will be asked to change into a gown.
- Once in the radiology room, an enema tip will be inserted into your rectum. The procedure begins with the introduction of barium and/or air into your colon through the enema tip.
- It is common to feel bloated & to feel the need to use the restroom; slow, easy breathing & relaxation help during this time.
- You will be asked to move into different positions throughout the exam. The radiologist will follow the progression of the barium/air via TV monitor & will take "spot films" at various points.
- Once the exam is completed, the enema tip is removed & you will be able to use the restroom located adjacent to the x-ray room.
- Total estimated time of procedure: 30-45 minutes.
T-Tube Cholangiogram
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- You will lie on your back in the radiology room. The tubing from your surgery will be exposed and a contrast media injected into it.
- You will be asked to lie in a variety of positions. "Spot film" images will be taken with you in these positions.
- Total estimated procedure time: 30 minutes.
IVP
PREP:
Children (12 years or under, unless otherwise instructed).
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight.
Adults
- Light lunch and then begin prep at 1:00 PM the day before the exam.
- 1:00 PM to midnight: drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of clear liquids (water pop, apple or grape juice, plain jello, bouillon, broth, tea or coffee (no milk, cream or sugar is permitted). NO SOLID FOOD.
- 6:00 PM: Take 2 ounces of Milk of Magnesia. If you have no results, take 2 more ounces at 10:00 PM.
- You may have a glass of water the morning of the IVP.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- A detailed nursing assessment and allergy history will be obtained. Be sure to tell the nurse if you have an allergy to iodine, have ever had a reaction to an iodine-based contrast media or if you are a diabetic currently taking Glucophage™.
- An I.V. will be started in your hand or arm.
- A blood sample may be drawn for lab analysis prior to the study.
- Once in the radiology room, contrast media will be injected into the IV X-ray images will be obtained at intervals after the injection.
- Total estimated time of exam: 60-75 minutes.
Cystogram
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before your appointment to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- Once in the x-ray room, a catheter will be inserted into your bladder through your urethra. Your bladder will then be filled with a water-soluble contrast media and the catheter will be withdrawn.
- Images will be obtained with your bladder full. Upon completion, you will be asked to go to the restroom adjoining the x-ray room and empty your bladder. Once your bladder has been emptied, a final image will be obtained.
- Total estimated time of procedure: 45 minutes.
Voiding Cystourethrogram (Pediatric)
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility the patient could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment to complete registration.
- All patients under the age of 15 should be NPO (nothing by mouth) 3 hours prior to the exam in case oral sedation is used.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- The patient will change into a gown.
- Parents may accompany child to alleviate fears.
- Once in the x-ray room, a nurse will scrub the genital area and insert a catheter into the child's bladder.
- Through the catheter, the bladder is filled with a water-soluble contrast media. This should not be painful but could cause some mild discomfort.
- The catheter is withdrawn.
- A series of x-ray images are obtained as the patient voids.
- Total estimated procedure time: 45-60 minutes.
Arthrograms
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you may be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- A brief Nursing Assessment will be done.
- Preliminary x-rays will be done.
- The area being examined will be cleaned & anesthetized. A needle will be inserted into the joint space and contrast media injected.
- A series of images will be obtained.
- Once the quality of the images is verified, you will be free to go (unless you are having a wrist arthrogram, in which case you may need to return later in the day for an additional injection and imaging).
- Total estimated time of procedure: 30-45 minutes.
Myelograms
PREP:
- Morning of the exam: Eat a light breakfast with nothing to eat or drink afterwards.
- DIABETICS: Eat a normal breakfast with nothing to eat or drink afterwards.
- Take all of your usual medications* unless you are advised otherwise by your doctor.
- DIABETICS: Take your usual insulin dose; you will have lunch.
- Bring all medications* with you that you will need to take within next 6 hours.
- Arrange for someone to pick you up 5-6 hours after your appointment time and to stay with you until the next morning.
- Check with your doctor to see whether you will be able to return to work the day following the exam.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
If you are now taking any of the following medications, please tell your doctor and/or our nurse. It is recommended that these medications be withheld 48 hours prior to the myelogram and 24 hours after the exam to avoid the risk of seizure.
| PHENOTHIAZINE PRODUCTS (Tranquilizers) | CNS STIMULANTS | ||
Thorazine (Chlorpromazine) |
Ritalin (Methylphenidate) |
||
| Sparine (Promazine) | Cylert (Pemoline) | ||
| Mellaril (Thioridazine) | Amphetamines (all types) | ||
| Serentil (Mesoridazine) | Deanol (Deaner) | ||
| Trilafon (Perphenazine) | |||
| Compazine (Prochlorperazine) | TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS | ||
| Torecan (Thiethylperazine) | Elavil, Endep, Triavil, | ||
| Phenergan (Promethazine) | Etrafon (Amitriptyline) | ||
| Permitil, Prolixin (Fluphenazine) | Tofranil (Imipramine) | ||
| Stelazine (Trifluoperazine) | Adapin, Senequan (Doxepin) | ||
| Surmontil (Trimipramine) | |||
| ANTIPSYCHOTIC AGENTS | Asendin (Amoxapine) | ||
| Haldol (Haloperidol) | Pamelor, Aventyl (Nortriptyline) | ||
| Navane (Thiothixene) | Norpramine, Pertofane (Desipramine) | ||
| Taractin (Chlorprothixene) | Vivactil (Protriptyline) | ||
| Moban (Molindone) | Anafranil (Clomipramine) | ||
| Loxitane (Loxapine) | Wellbutrin (Buproprion) | ||
| Orap (Primozide) | Flexaril (Cyclobenzaprine) | ||
| ANALEPTICS (Appetite Control Drugs) | MAO INHIBITORS | ||
| Amphetamine Sulfate | Marplan (Isocarboxazid) | ||
| Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine) | Nardil (Phenelzine) | ||
| Didrex (Benzphetamine) | Parnate (Tranylcypromine) | ||
| Preludin (Phenmetrazine) | Eutron, Eutonyl (Pargyline) | ||
| Tenuate, Tepanil (Diethylopropion) | Tacaryl (Methdilazine) | ||
| Pondinim (Fenfluramine) | Phenergan (Promethazine) | ||
| Phenylpropanolamine: | |||
| as a diet aide: | RARELY USED COMBINATIONS | ||
| Dexatrim | Deprol (Meprobamate | ||
| Accutrim | + Benactyzine) | ||
| Dexadiet | Limbritol (Chlordiazepoxide | ||
| Grapefruit Plan | + Amitriptyline) | ||
| as a decongestant: | Triavil, Etrafon (Perphenazine | ||
| Dimetapp | + Amitriptyline) | ||
| Sucrets Cold Form | |||
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- Our nurse will perform a Nursing Assessment.
- You will be escorted to the Radiology Room. Preliminary images may or may not be taken.
- You will be asked to lay on your stomach. Your lower back will be scrubbed at the area where the injection will take place.
- Local anesthesia will be applied. The radiologist will insert a needle, withdraw some fluid and inject a contrast material.
- A number of images will be obtained with you in varying positions. The table may be alternately tilted toward your head and/or toward your feet.
- Once finished in the Radiology Room you will be placed on a cart & moved to the CT Scan Room for a CT study.
- Once the CT scan is finished, you will be moved to a Recovery Room where you will stay for 2 hours.
- Someone will need to drive you home & to stay with you through the night.
- Estimated time of procedure: 45-60 minutes. 2 hours recovery.
Abscess, Fistula, or Sinus Tract Study
PREP:
- No advance prep is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- Once in the Radiology Room you will lie upon the table & contrast material will be injected into the area(s) of interest.
- A series of images will be obtained.
- Once the images have been verified for quality, you will be free to go.
- Estimated time of procedure: 30 minutes.
Complete Alimentary Tract (for Foreign Body)
PREP:
- No advance prep is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- You will lie on an x-ray table. Images will be obtained from the level of your mouth through the level of your anus.
- The exam will be fast and painless.
- Estimated time of procedure: 15 minutes.
DEXA Bone Density Study
PREP:
- Do not take any calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to study.
- Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will lie flat on your back during the exam, with your clothes on.
- The machine will scan your body with a thin, fan-shaped x-ray beam.
- The exam will be quick and painless.
- Estimated time of procedure: 15 minutes.
Hysterosalpingogram
PREP:
- No intercourse on day of exam.
- Exam must be done 7-10 days from the start of menstrual cycle. You should not be bleeding at the time of this exam.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- A brief Nursing Assessment will take place.
- Once in the Radiology Room you will lie on the x-ray table in the same position as if you were having a pap smear done. You perineum will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A small instrument will be inserted into your vagina. Contrast material will be injected through this instrument into your uterus and Fallopian Tubes. It is common for you to feel some pressure / cramping at this time.
- Images will be obtained & the instrument removed.
- You may experience spotting afterwards; you should use a pad if this occurs. Do not use tampons.
- There are no post-procedure restrictions. You may resume normal activities.
- Estimated time of procedure: 45 minutes.
Joint Injections
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- You may or may not be required to change into a gown, depending on where the injection is to be.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- Once in the Radiology Room the area to be injected will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution.
- A local anesthetic will be applied to the area.
- Under x-ray guidance, a needle will be inserted into the joint space. Once in its proper location, the ordered medication will be injected.
- After the injection the needle will be removed and you will be free to go.
- Estimated time of procedure: 30-45 minutes.
Lumbar Puncture for C.S.F. (Cerebral-Spinal Fluid)
PREP:
- No advance preparation is necessary.
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Make arrangements with someone to drive you home after the procedure.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will be asked to change into a gown.
- Once in the Radiology Room you will lie on an x-ray table and your lower back will be cleansed with an antiseptic solution.
- A local anesthetic will be applied.
- Under x-ray guidance, a needle will be inserted into your lower back. It will be advanced until it reaches the point in the spinal canal that contains cerebral-spinal fluid. At that point, a small amount of this fluid will be withdrawn & sent to the Lab for analysis.
- The needle will be removed from your back and you will be sent to our Recovery Area to lie flat for approximately 2 hours.
- Upon discharge, have someone available to drive you home.
- Estimated time of procedure: 20-30 minutes with 2 hours post-procedure recovery time.
Venogram
PREP:
- The day of the exam, discontinue taking Glucophage™ if you are a diabetic and it is a prescribed medication. You will resume taking Glucophage 48 hours after your venogram (however check with your doctor first).
- Notify the technologist if there is a possibility that you could be pregnant.
- Arrive 20 minutes before appointment time to complete registration.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
- You will need to change into a gown for this procedure.
- A detailed nursing assessment and allergy history will be obtained. Be sure to tell the nurse if you have an allergy to iodine, have ever had a reaction to an iodine-based contrast media or if you are a diabetic currently taking Glucophage™.
- A blood sample may need to be obtained & sent to the Lab prior to this study.
- Once in the Radiology Room, you will lie on your back on the x-ray table.
- Contrast media will be injected into the vein(s) through the needle(s). X-ray images will be obtained to follow the flow of the contrast media through your veins along the entire length of your leg(s).
- A needle will be inserted into a vein in your foot (both feet if your doctor has ordered a bilateral venogram).
- Once the imaging is completed the needle(s) will be removed, band-aides applied & you will be free to leave.
- Estimated time of procedure: 60-75 minutes.
