The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for your exam.
3 Phase Bone Scan
Description
The tech/radiology assistant asks the patient for information to complete the questionnaire
relating to the Bone Scan. The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer (NOT A CONTRAST OR DYE )
called Technetium HDP. As the injection occurs, blood flow images are obtained. The time for
the flow is approximately 15 minutes. This is a phosphate that is absorbed by the bones for
imaging. There are NO side affects from the injection. The patient then returns at least 4
hours post injection for the scan. The scan occurs with the patient fully clothed, lying on a
table, while the camera is imaging the area(s) of interest. These images are “Spot Views”. There
is NO noise generated from the camera during the scan. The scan is usually completed within 30-45 minutes.
Preparation
No prep prior to the injection. Force 32 oz. of fluid (any type of fluids) during the 3-4
hour waiting period. The patient may eat, take any necessary medications, and resume all normal activities.
Exam Time
15 minutes during the injection process
30-45 minutes upon return for delay images
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Barium Enema
Description
A special x-ray of the colon that visualizes the entire large bowel. A liquid
barium is given by enema to coat the large intestine and make it visible by x-ray. In some
cases air is mixed with the barium as well.
Preparation
A bowel preparation kit is provided by the imaging center which should be started
the day before the exam. Instructions, proper diet, and medications are provided within the kit.
Exam Time
30 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
It is recommended that fluids be increased for the remainder of the day
following the barium enema to help the body completely evacuate the residual barium.
Bone Densitometry
Description
Bone Densitometry is a non-invasive procedure in which a patient’s bone mineral density
is measured. A very low energy x-ray beam is used to produce a scan of the lumbar spine,
hip or forearm. Doctors use the information gathered from this study to assess bone
condition, risk of fracture, and to assist in diagnosis for treatment.
Preparation
Bone densitometry may not be performed within one week of any Nuclear Medicine studies
or any studies using contrast, such as Upper GI or Barium Enema. If the patient is taking
calcium supplements, they should not be taken the day of the exam. Force 32 oz. of fluid
(any type of fluids) during the 3-4 hour waiting period after the injection.
Comfortable clothing should be worn such as two-piece sweat suits or soft
cotton clothing. Metal objects such as belt buckles, snaps, zippers, and buttons will
interfere with the scan and must be removed. The scan occurs with the patient fully
clothed, lying on a table, while the camera is imaging the area(s) of interest.
Exam Time
The scan is usually completed within 30-45 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Bone Scan Limited
Description
The tech / radiology assistant asks the patient for information to complete questionnaire relating
to the Bone Scan. The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer (NOT A CONTRAST OR DYE) called
Technetium HDP. This is a phosphate that is absorbed by the bones for imaging. There are NO side
affects from the injection. The patient then returns 3-4 hours post injection for the scan. The
scan occurs with the patient fully clothed, lying on a table, while the camera is imaging the area(s)
of interest. There is NO noise generated from the camera during the scan. The scan is usually completed
within 30 minutes.
Preparation
No prep prior to the injection. Force 32 oz. of fluid (any type of fluids) during the 3-4
hour waiting period. The patient may eat and take any necessary medications.
Exam Time
15 minutes for questions and injection
30-45 minutes for scan
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Bone Scan Whole Body
Description
The tech / radiology assistant asks the patient for information to complete questionnaire
relating to the Bone Scan. The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer (NOT A CONTRAST
OR DYE ) called Technetium HDP. This is a phosphate that is absorbed by the bones for imaging.
There are NO side affects from the injection. The patient then returns 3-4 hours post injection
for the scan. The scan occurs with the patient fully clothed, lying on a table, while the camera
is imaging the entire length of the body. There are often “Spot Views” that are done after the
whole body imaging; such as lateral skull images. There is NO noise generated from the camera
during the scan. The scan is usually completed within 45 minutes.
Preparation
No prep prior to the injection. Force 32 oz. of fluid (any type of fluids) during the 3-4
hour waiting period. The patient may eat and take any necessary medications.
Exam Time
15 minutes for questions and injection
30-45 minutes for scan
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
CT (Computed Tomography)
Description
CT, Computed Tomography, is an x-ray examination using a scanner to produce a series of
cross-sectional images of selected parts of the body. The CT scanner contains a large
donut-shaped ring that the body slowly passes through on a moveable table. An x-ray beam
then rotates around the patient producing images of specific parts of the body. The
examination is painless and will produce detailed pictures of selected body parts.
Preparation
In order to make pictures of certain parts of the body clear, some CT scans require the
use of contrast materials to highlight internal structures. This contrast may be given
by mouth and/or injected into a vein.
If contrast material by injection is needed, an IV will be started before the scan. A small
blood sample may be drawn at that time to check kidney function since this contrast is
eliminated through the kidneys.
Oral contrast may be given before the scan. The process of the contrast traveling throughout
the stomach and intestines may take as long as two hours, especially for scans that include
the pelvis. In some cases, contrast is given to drink the evening before the exam.
Exam Time
The total amount of time the patient spends in the scanner is usually 15 minutes or less,
however more time should be allowed for the entire visit.
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
If contrast material is injected into the vein, it will be eliminated through the urine and
should cause no discoloration. It is recommended that fluid intake be increased after the
scan to help eliminate the contrast from the body.
The patient should be able to resume normal diet and activities immediately.
Results
The patient’s exam will be interpreted by a radiologist specializing in CT interpretation
and then phoned, faxed, or mailed to the referring physician promptly.
Duplex Doppler Ultrasound
Description
Diagnostic ultrasound, sometimes called sonography, is a procedure that uses sound
waves higher than the human ear can detect to examine structures and tissues within
the body. A small device called a transducer is used to send sound waves into the body,
which are then reflected off of internal structures. The returning sound waves (echoes)
are then sent back to the same transducer and the attached equipment electronically
changes the echoes into a picture of your internal structures.
A warmed gel will be
applied to the skin surface to provide better contact between the transducer and the skin.
The gel is easily removed, but the patient should wear easily washable clothing. Ultrasound
provides a noninvasive, safe and painless means of observing soft tissue anatomy.
Ultrasound
cannot be used to examine bones because bone weakens sound waves. In addition, ultrasound
cannot obtain images through bowel gas. There are no known harmful effects associated with
the medical use of sonography.
Duplex or duplex Doppler ultrasound is a special form of ultrasound commonly used to evaluate
blood flow. It combines standard ultrasound imaging information with Doppler flow information.
Doppler measures the speed and the direction of the flow of blood. It can also be useful to
estimate the diameter of a blood vessel as well as the amount and location of obstruction, if
any, in the blood vessel. An audible sound may be used or the flow may be shown as a graph
or color display.
Preparation
Abdominal duplex Doppler ultrasound requires nothing to eat or drink after midnight due to
bowel gas in that area of the body. No preparation is necessary for Doppler ultrasound of
the neck, arm, and leg blood vessels.
Exam Time
The length of time for the examination varies with the complexity of the exam and the specific
reasons for which it was requested. Generally, actual scanning times can range from 30-60
minutes. For all exams, patients should allow more time for the entire visit. In many cases,
follow-up exams are necessary to evaluate the progression of obstruction.
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
After the exam, patients can safely drive home and eat and drink normally.
Gall Bladder (Oral Cholecystogram)
We no longer do these exams. The telepaque (which is the contrast that the patient takes to
visualize the gall bladder) is no longer manufactured by any company.
Hepatobiliary Scan with CCK
Description
The patient has a IV and is injected with a radioactive tracer called Choletec (NOT A CONTRAST
OR DYE). There are NO side affects from the injection. Imaging begins 45 minutes post injection
and continues for one hour. The scan occurs with the patient fully clothed, lying on a table,
while the camera is imaging the abdomen. When the gallbladder is seen (at 45-60 minutes post
injection), CCK will be infused by the nurse. “Movie” images are obtained for 30 minutes. The
patient will be in the department for 2 hours.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink past midnight. No pain medications or pain patches 4-6 hours prior to the injection.
Exam Time
2 hours
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Hepatobiliary Scan without CCK
Description
The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer called Choletec (NOT
A CONTRAST OR DYE). There are NO side affects from the injection. Imaging
begins immediately and continues for one hour. The scan occurs with the patient
fully clothed, lying on a table, while the camera is imaging the abdomen.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink past midnight. No pain medications 4-6 hours prior to the injection.
Exam Time
1 hour and 15 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Hysterosalpingiograms (HSG)
Description
Images of the uterus and fallopian tubes are taken by injecting contrast
via catheter inserted into the uterus. The procedure is performed by the
patient’s OB/GYN physician.
Preparation
None
Exam Time
30 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Liver Spleen Scan
Description
The patient is injected with a radioactive tracer called Sulfur Colloid
(NOT A CONTRAST OR DYE). There are NO side affects from the injection.
Imaging begins 15 minutes post injection and continues for 45 minutes to one hour. The
scan occurs with the patient fully clothed, lying on a table, while the
camera is imaging the liver and spleen.
Preparation
None
Exam Time
1 hour
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Lumbar Puncture
Description
An x-ray is used to guide a small needle into the spinal canal. Fluid is collected
from the spinal and then sent to the lab for testing.
Preparation
Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to the exam. Clear liquids are permitted
throughout the day and encourage the patient to drink 3 to 4 times the fluid they
normally drink.
Exam Time
Patient should expect to be at the imaging center for 2 to 3 hours. The initial
exam only takes 30 minutes but then the patient must be observed for a period
afterwards.
Patient should arrive 30 minutes before exam time.
Post Instructions
Special instructions will be given to the patient after the myelogram. Primarily,
we ask the patient to go straight home and relax the remainder of the day, drink
2 to 3 times more fluids than usual, restrict strenuous activities the day following
the procedure and remain off contraindicative medications for 48 hours after the procedure.
Mammogram Call Back - Additional Imaging
Description
A radiologist has reviewed images of a screening mammogram and has asked for the patient to
return for additional views and/or an ultrasound. Patient has returned and additional imaging
is performed. The images are taken to the radiologist and are reviewed while the patient is
still at Asheville Imaging Center. Results are usually given at the time of the exam.
Preparation
No deodorant or perfumes.
Exam Time
30 minutes per imaging exam
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Mammogram - Diagnostic
Description
The procedure starts with 4 views, but can include as many views as needed. A registered
technologist reviews the images for exam completeness and technical factors. Films are
taken to a radiologist and are reviewed while the patient is still at AIC. If the
radiologist needs more images or other exams those images are taken at that time.
Preparation
No deodorant or perfumes. Schedule exam 7 to 10 days from menstruation. ( if not
menstruating anytime is fine)
Exam Time
30 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Mammogram - Screening
Description
The procedure involves x-raying each breast, one from the side of the breast,
and one from the top. The breast is compressed during the x-ray, improving the image
by bringing the breast structure closer to the film. The pressure may be uncomfortable
but usually lasts only a few seconds. A female registered radiologic technologist who
is an expert in the operation of the x-ray equipment will perform the exam.
The procedure is normally 4 views. If there are additional views it is for technical,
not medical reasons. The images are reviewed by a registered technologist for exam
completeness and technical factors. The patient is released quickly. Films are taken
to a reading room and hung on a viewer for a radiologist to read.
Preparation
No deodorant or perfumes. Schedule exam 7 to 10 days from menstruation. ( if
not menstruating anytime is fine)
Exam Time
15 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
MRI
Description
MRI is a medical imaging procedure that uses a strong magnet, radiowaves,
and a computer to produce high quality cross-sectional images of the
inside of the body.
Our traditional high-field MRI system is a 1.5 tesla GE Signa. This
state-of-the-art imaging system uses a powerful magnetic field with
technology that provides excellent image quality with high-resolution
of small parts of the body. The high-field examination times are faster
due to the more powerful magnet. The majority of patients who need MRI
exams are comfortable with the amount of space provided.
Preparation
There is no specific preparation for most types of MRI. Abdominal MRI
exams may require that the patient have nothing oral four to six hours
prior to the exam. All metal items on the patient’s clothing, including
metal belt buckles, snaps, or hairpins must be removed prior to the
examination. Patients with pacemakers, aneurysm clips, or other metallic,
mechanical, electrical and electrically conductive devices cannot be scanned.
The patient may leave immediately following the test because there are no
side effects from MRI.
Exam Time
Examination times are generally 30-45 minutes.
Post Instructions
Myelogram
Description
A special x-ray of the spine, performed by injecting dye into the spinal
fluid surrounding the spinal cord. This exam is used to determine any
narrowing or blockage of the spinal canal, which can result from a bulging
disc, tumor, or changes in the bones surrounding the spinal cord.
Preparation
The patient may have a light breakfast the morning of the exam, but is
asked to avoid dairy products or heavy foods. Clear liquids are permitted
throughout the day. We encourage them to drink 2 to 3 times the fluids they
normally drink. Patient must bring someone with them to drive them home and
they must have someone with them at home the first night after the exam. The
patient may be asked to withhold certain medications 48 hours prior and 48
hours after the procedure. It is very important that the patient have talked
with someone from the radiology department PRIOR to their exam. If the patient
is on any type of blood thinning medication, they will need to have lab work
prior to the procedure. Special instructions are needed for patient’s who have
a history of contrast reaction or seizures and these patients MUST talk with
someone within the radiology department prior to the exam. Patient should
bring all outside films pertaining to the spine with them.
Exam Time
Patients should expect to be at the imaging center for 3 to 4 hours. The initial
fluoro exam only takes 30 minutes but then the patient must have a CT exam to
follow and also there is a observation period after the CT exam.
Patient should arrive 1 hour prior to exam.
Post Instructions
Special instructions will be given to the patient after the myelogram. Primarily,
we ask the patient to go straight home and relax the remainder of the day, drink
2 to 3 times more fluids than usual, restrict strenuous activities the day following
the procedure and remain off contraindicative medications for 48 hours after the procedure.
Shoulder Arthrogram
Description
Images of the shoulder joint, surrounding soft tissue, and synovial fluid surrounding
the joint. This is done by using live x-ray to inject contrast media into the shoulder
joint. A CT or MRI sometimes will follow the injection.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink prior to test. Patient should bring outside films
of the affected shoulder if any are available.
Exam Time
30 minutes.
Patients should arrive 30 minutes before exam time
Post Instructions
None
Small Bowel
Description
An x-ray examination of the small intestines, which may be done by itself, or
immediately following an Upper GI series. The patient will be asked to drink a
barium preparation to make the small intestines visible on x-ray.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (NPO). This includes any medication. If you are
uncomfortable postponing any medication for 2-3 hours consult your physician.
Exam Time
Because of the small intestines length (approximately 26 feet) and varied motility,
this process can take as little as 30 minutes or as much as several hours. The
entire length of the small bowel must be visualized before the exam is complete.
The speed at which the barium travels within the small bowel depends entirely upon
each individual patient’s body.
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
It is recommended that fluids be increased for the remainder of the day following
the barium enema to help the body completely evacuate the residual barium.
Stereotactic Breast Biopsy
Description
It is a way of obtaining a sample of tissue from a questionable area that has been seen by
mammography or ultrasound imaging using a special type of needle rather than surgery.
Imaging by either x-ray or ultrasound will determine the exact location of area to be sampled.
Your breast will be numbed prior to procedure and a needle will be placed onto the area of
interest. Samples will be taken and sent to the lab for analysis. Sometimes a small clip will
be placed into the breast to mark the area biopsied.
Preparation
None. A mild anti-anxiety medication such as Ativan can be taken one hour prior to
procedure if patient chooses to come in and give consent for procedure and pick up a
prescription. You must sign the consent for the procedure prior to being medicated.
Exam Time
Time varies depending on the location and difficulty of area to be biopsied. Most
patients are scheduled in the department for an hour and a half. The actual time of biopsy is
only a fraction of this. Set up and post biopsy care take up most of this time.
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
You will be given a detailed post biopsy instruction sheet after the procedure. We ask
patients to use their own judgement as to the amount of activity after a biopsy. If you
take an anti-anxiety medication you will need to have someone to drive you to and from the
facility.
Thyroid Scan
Description
A thyroid scan is performed to determine the size, shape and position of the thyroid gland.
It can also find areas of the thyroid gland that are overactive or underactive. The camera
takes pictures of the thyroid gland from three different angles. The radioactive tracer
used in this test is technetium, which is not a contrast or a dye.
Preparation
Patients should be off all thyroid medication prior to the test. The patient's physician should
advise them when to stop and when to restart medication(s).
Patients should not consume any kelp, seaweed or iodine supplements for 4 weeks prior to the
exam.
Patients should not have CT scans with contrast or IVP dyes for 8 weeks before exam.
Exam Time
After the patient is injected with Technetium they will be asked to wait in the
waiting room for approximately 20 minutes. The scan time is dependant upon the
absorbtion of the radioactive tracer in the thyroid. Imaging can last 10-40 minutes.
Patients should plan to be at the imaging center for approximately 1 hour
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
None
Thyroid Uptake
Description
The thyroid uptake is performed to evaluate the function of the thyroid. The test is a measurement
of activity of the thyroid based on how much iodine was absorbed by the thyroid. Two measurements
will be taken with the patient sitting in a chair, fully clothed. One measurement
is aquired with the probe positioned at the patient's neck and the second measurement is aquired
with the probe positioned over the patient's thigh.
The thyroid is a gland in the neck that controls metabolism, a chemical process that regulates
the rate at which the body converts food to energy.
Preparation
Patients should be off all thyroid medication prior to the test. The patient's physician should
advise them when to stop and when to restart medication(s).
Patients should not consume any kelp, seaweed or iodine supplements for 4 weeks prior to the
exam.
Patients should not have CT scans with contrast or IVP dyes for 8 weeks before exam.
All patients within child-bearing age will be asked to give a urine sample. A pregnancy test
will be performed and a pregnancy/breast feeding form will be signed prior to the exam. The
only exception will be for patients that have had a hysterectomy.
Exam Time
This is a 2 day procedure. On the first day the patient will be given I-131 (a radioactive
iodine capsule) and should expect to be at the imaging center for approximately 20 minutes.
On the second day, 24 hours later, the patient will return for the uptake test which usually
takes approximately 5 minutes to complete.
Post Instructions
None
Ultrasound
Description
Diagnostic ultrasound, sometimes called sonography, is a procedure that uses sound waves
higher than the human ear can detect to examine structures and tissues within the body.
A small device called a transducer is used to send sound waves into the body, which are
reflected off of internal structures. The returning sound waves (echoes) are then sent
back to the same transducer and the attached equipment electronically changes the echoes
into a picture of your internal structures.
A warmed gel will be applied to the skin
surface to provide better contact between the transducer and the skin. The gel is easily
removed, but the patient should wear easily washable clothing. Ultrasound provides a
noninvasive, safe and painless means of observing soft tissue anatomy.
Ultrasound cannot
be used to examine bones because bone weakens sound waves. In addition, ultrasound cannot
obtain images through bowel gas. There are no known harmful effects associated with the
medical use of sonography.
Preparation
Abdominal, Renal, and Aorta Ultrasounds - Adult Patients
NPO Overnight, preferably done in AM (less bowel gas which interferes with
quality of exam)
Abdominal, Renal, and Aorta Ultrasounds - Pediatric Patients under 1 year old
NPO for 2 hours
Abdominal, Renal, and Aorta Ultrasounds - Pediatric Patients Age 1-14
NPO for 4 hours
Abdominal, Renal, and Aorta Ultrasounds - Pediatric Patients Age 15-17
NPO for 8 hours
Carotid Doppler
No preparation required
Extremity (non-vascular)
No preparation required
Head (neonatal)
No preparation required
Hips (Infant under 6 months)
No preparation required
Lump / Bump (Any)
No preparation required
Pelvis, OB Ultrasounds - Adult Patients
Urinary bladder must be full at start of exam for transabdominal
scanning of pelvis with emptying of bladder for
transvaginal scans
Pelvis, OB Ultrasounds - Pediatric Patients
Pediatric Patients: Urinary bladder must be full
Peripheral Vascular (venous arms or legs)
No preparation required
Spine (Infant under 2 months)
No preparation required
Testicular / Scrotal
No preparation required
Thyroid / Parathyroid
No preparation required
Exam Time
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Abdomen Complete
30 Minutes
Abdomen Limited
30 Minutes
Abdomen Complex/Duplex Limited
45 minutes
Abdomen/TIPS
45 minutes
Carotid Doppler
30 minutes
Extremity (non-vascular)
30 minutes
Liver Transplant
45 minutes
Aorta
30 minutes
Head (neonatal)
30 minutes
Hips (infant under 6 months)
30 minutes
Lump / Bump (any)
30 minutes
Pelvis
30 minutes
Peripheral Vascular (venouse arms or legs)
30 minutes
Renal/Kidney
30 minutes
Renal Arteries
60 minutes
Renal/Kidney Transplant
45 minutes
Thyroid / Parathyroid
30 minutes
Spine (infant under 2 months)
30 minutes
Testicular / Scrotal
30 minutes
Transvaginal Pelvis
30 minutes
Post Instructions
After the exam, patients can safely drive home and eat and drink normally.
Upper GI
Description
An x-ray of the upper portion of the digestive system, which includes the esophagus
and stomach. The patient will be asked to drink a barium preparation to make the GI
tract visible by x-ray. The patient may also be asked to swallow some “fizzy” type
crystals to help with visualization of the stomach.
Preparation
Nothing to eat or drink after midnight (NPO). This includes any medication. If you are
uncomfortable postponing medication for 2-3 hours consult your physician.
Exam Time
20-30 minutes
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
It is recommended that fluids be increased for the remainder of the day following
the barium enema to help the body completely evacuate the residual barium.
Voiding Cystourethrogram (VCUG)
Description
Iodinated contrast is infused into the patient’s bladder via a urinary catheter.
Once the bladder is adequately filled, the catheter is removed and the patient
will be asked to void while images are taken of the bladder, distal ureters,
and urethra.
Preparation
The patient SHOULD NOT void just prior to the procedure.
Exam Time
Approximately one hour
Patients should arrive 15 minutes early to process paperwork
Post Instructions
No instructions.
Patient and parents should be aware that a betadine solution is used to
clean the genital area prior to catherization and the patient may see a
“yellowish tint” on skin until after bathing.
General X-Ray
Description
An x-ray exam (or radiograph) is a painless medical exam that uses a small dose of ionizing radiation
to produce images of the inside of the body. An x-ray technologist is a specially trained health care
professional that knows how to produce the images your physician has requested. These images are reviewed
by a special doctor called a radiologist and then the report is provided to your physician. An x-ray of
bones can detect fractures, dislocations, changes due to arthritis, and other diseases of the bone like
osteoporosis and cancer. A chest x-ray can detect pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancer and many other diseases
of the lung. An abdomen x-ray can detect bowel obstructions, foreign bodies and in some cases kidney or
gall stones.
Preparation
No special preparation is necessary for an x-ray exam. You may be asked to remove any jewelry and
clothing that has metal fasteners. You may be asked to lie on an exam table, maintain specific
positions and hold your breath while the images are produced.
Exam Time
General x-ray exams are quick, usually less than 10 minutes. This may vary depending on the
images your physician has requested.
Post Instructions
There are no special instructions following an x-ray exam.