Diagnostic Imaging Preparation at Southwest Diagnostic
With your upcoming diagnostic imaging appointment, it is important that you are prepared so that your appointment can go smoothly. Click on each exam below to read its Preparation Instructions. If you have any additional questions or need to request an appointment, please contact our office in Dallas, TX at (214) 345-6905.
Sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves to record images of the abdomen. This examination lasts approximately 45 minutes. If exam is scheduled with an UGI, please follow the UGI preparation.
On the day before the examination: Do not eat or drink anything but water after midnight.
On the day of the examination: Essential medications are allowed with water. Do not drink anything but water until after your examination is completed.
We will call you prior to your appointment to discuss specific preparation instructions; medications you are taking, potential risks, past imaging exams you may have had and give you an opportunity to ask any questions.
- If possible, please bring previous studies to the appointment, including ultrasound, mammography, MRI, etc.
- Wear a two-piece outfit so you will only have to remove your top. You will be provided a gown or robe.
- Notify a member of our staff if you are nursing or if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
Do not eat solid foods 3 hours prior to exam. Take medications as prescribed. Arrive at scheduled time. Please bring all related outside CD’s and reports for our radiologist to review.
- Notify your technologist if you have any of the following:
- Hair extensions with metal clips, this will effect the picture quality if your scanning your brain or neck area
- Braces, this will effect the picture quality if your scanning your brain or neck area
More about CT Scans
You should not take calcium supplements for 24 hours prior to the examination. These supplements may be found in multi-vitamins and antacids. Please be certain to read the labels when taking all medications within 24 hours prior to the examination. Dairy products are acceptable.
You should not have certain radiologic studies within the 7 days before the exam, i.e., barium studies, studies involving IV or oral contrast, or Nuclear Medicine studies. That waiting period is important to prevent any residual barium from interfering with your DEXA exam. Please let us know before your exam begins if you may be pregnant.
Try to wear an outfit without buttons, snaps, zippers, or anything metal.
Please bring a list of your medications with dosages
You may want to check with your insurance company about coverage for this test.
More about DEXA
- On the day of your exam do not apply underarm deodorant, powder or lotion from the waist to the neck, underarms or around the breasts. If you must use powder, deodorant or lotions, please let us know before the exam so that we may provide you with wipes to remove it.
- Please try to wear a two-piece outfit for your ease of changing and comfort.
- If you have had prior mammograms at another institution, you must bring them with you or have them mailed to us one week prior to your appointment. These will be utilized for comparison to your new exam
Sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves to record images of the bladder, uterus, and ovaries. This examination lasts approximately 30-60 minutes.
On the day of the examination:
- Start drinking 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your appointment. Finish drinking the 32 ounces of water 45 minutes before your appointment time, to allow your bladder time to fill.
- Do not empty your bladder after drinking the water until the examination is completed, or you may need to reschedule.
- Your bladder must be full in order to do the examination. You will be able to empty your bladder when the examination is completed.
MRI uses a very powerful magnet, radio waves and a sophisticated computer system to produce remarkable images without x-ray radiation.
- Before your MRI exam, remove all accessories including hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wigs, dentures. During the exam, these metal objects may interfere with the magnetic field, affecting the quality of the MRI images taken.
- Notify your technologist if you have any of the following:
- Prosthetic joints – hip, knee
- Pacemaker (or artificial heart valve), defibrillator or artificial heart value
- IUD (intrauterine device)
- Metal plates, pins, screws, or surgical staples in your body
- Stimulators, if you have a remote for your stimulator you will need to charge your stimulator and bring the remote with you at the time of service to assure safe scanning
- Tattoos and/or permanent make-up
- Hair extensions with metal clips, this will effect the picture quality if your scanning your brain or neck area
- Braces, this will effect the picture quality if your scanning your brain or neck area
- Metal shrapnel in your body, such as a bullet or if you have ever worked with metal
- Pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
- Claustrophobia, some patients who undergo MRI in an enclosed unit may feel confined. If you are not easily reassured, a sedative may be administered
- If you have a history of working around metal, grinding, welding or you think you may have metal in your eyes, you will need to come for an orbital x-ray prior to your appointment.
- In addition, please do not wear hairspray or eye makeup.
- You will be asked to change into a patient gown.
Sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves to record images of the bladder, uterus, and ovaries. This examination of the pelvic anatomy lasts approximately 60 minutes. The exam will also be performed with a transvaginal sonogram.
On the day of the examination:
- Start drinking 32 ounces of water one hour prior to your appointment. Finish drinking the 32 ounces of water 45 minutes before your appointment time, to allow your bladder time to fill.
- Do not empty your bladder after drinking the water until the examination is completed, or you may need to reschedule.
- Your bladder must be full in order to do the examination. You will be able to empty your bladder when the examination is completed.
PET is usually done on an outpatient basis. You should:
- Wear comfortable clothes
- Do not eat after midnight prior to your scan
- Drink plenty of water
- Consult with our schedulers regarding the use of meds before your test
Sonography is the use of high-frequency sound waves to record images of the prostate gland. To image the prostate gland, a small ultrasound probe is placed in the rectum. The exam lasts approximately 30 minutes to one hour. Unless otherwise indicated, please follow the instructions below.
In advance of the procedure you will need to purchase a Fleet enema from a pharmacy.
On the day of the examination: One hour before leaving home for your procedure administer the Fleet enema according to the instructions.
Radiologist prefer a full bladder for this exam.
Schedule Your Diagnostic Imaging Exam at Southwest Diagnostic Imaging
Open 7 days a week, Southwest Diagnostic Imaging Center is a full-range, experienced, state-of-the-art imaging center in Dallas. Our mission is to provide unsurpassed patient care, the most advanced diagnostic imaging technology, and the highest standards of quality. If you are in need of a diagnostic imaging exam, please contact our office at (214) 345-6905 to schedule an appointment today!