Prepare for imaging or diagnostic testing
Prepare for imaging or diagnostic testing
Imaging and diagnostic tests help your care team look inside the body, check an injury, evaluate symptoms, monitor a condition, or guide treatment. These tests may include X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasound, mammography, fluoroscopy, or other diagnostic procedures.
Preparation depends on the type of test. Some exams are quick and need little preparation. Others may require fasting, contrast, medication instructions, metal screening, arrival early for registration, or a support person to drive you home.
Quick summary
- Check your appointment instructions before the day of your test.
- Bring photo ID, insurance information, and any outside imaging records you were asked to bring.
- Tell the imaging team if you may be pregnant, have implants, have kidney problems, have allergies, or have had a contrast reaction before.
- Remove metal items before MRI or any exam where staff asks you to do so.
- Arrive early if your test requires registration, contrast, screening forms, sedation, or changing clothes.
- Ask before bringing a support person into the testing area. Rules depend on the exam and safety requirements.
Common imaging tests
Each imaging test uses a different method to create pictures or measurements. Your appointment instructions should tell you what type of test you are having and whether preparation is needed.
| Test type | Common preparation | Tell staff if |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | Usually little preparation. You may need to remove jewelry or change into a gown. | You may be pregnant or cannot stand, sit, or hold a position. |
| CT scan | May require fasting, contrast, lab work, or early arrival. | You have kidney problems, diabetes medication questions, allergies, or prior contrast reactions. |
| MRI | Requires metal and implant screening. You may need to change clothes. | You have implants, metal fragments, claustrophobia, or trouble lying still. |
| Ultrasound | May require fasting or a full bladder, depending on the body area. | You cannot drink the required fluids or cannot wait to empty your bladder. |
| Diagnostic procedure | May require special instructions, consent forms, sedation planning, or a ride home. | You take blood thinners, have medication allergies, or need accessibility support. |
X-ray CT MRI Ultrasound Contrast Metal Screening
Before you go
Review your appointment details in the Silent Hill Health portal or in the instructions from your ordering provider. Check the location, arrival time, test name, preparation instructions, and whether your test uses contrast.
If your provider ordered imaging after an emergency visit, hospital stay, or specialist visit, your instructions may appear in your after-visit summary, discharge paperwork, or upcoming tests section.
Confirm before your visit
- Your appointment date, time, and location.
- Whether you need to fast.
- Whether contrast will be used.
- Whether you need blood work before the test.
- Whether you need a driver or support person afterward.
Call ahead if
- You may be pregnant.
- You have an implant, pacemaker, pump, stimulator, or metal fragment.
- You have had a contrast reaction before.
- You need sedation, mobility help, or interpreter support.
- You are sick, late, or cannot complete the preparation.
Contrast instructions
Some imaging tests use contrast to make certain areas easier to see. Contrast may be given through an IV, by mouth, or in another way depending on the test. Not every CT, MRI, or diagnostic exam uses contrast.
If your test uses contrast, your instructions may include fasting, drinking a contrast mixture, arriving early for IV placement, or completing kidney-function blood work before the appointment.
Tell the imaging team before contrast: If you have kidney disease, are on dialysis, take diabetes medication, have allergies, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have had a previous contrast reaction.
| Contrast type | What to expect |
|---|---|
| IV contrast | Contrast is given through a vein. You may feel warmth, flushing, or a strange taste briefly. |
| Oral contrast | You may drink contrast before the scan. Arrival may be earlier so the contrast has time to move through your body. |
| No contrast | Your exam may still require other preparation, such as metal screening, positioning, or fasting. |
Metal and implant screening
Metal screening is especially important for MRI, but staff may ask about metal for other imaging tests too. MRI uses a strong magnet, so certain implants, devices, fragments, or metal-containing items may be unsafe or may affect the images.
Tell staff about any implanted device or metal in your body, even if it has been there for many years. Bring device cards or implant information if you have them.
Tell staff if you have or may have:
- Pacemaker, defibrillator, loop recorder, or heart valve.
- Aneurysm clip, stent, shunt, cochlear implant, neurostimulator, or implanted pump.
- Metal fragments from injury, work, military service, or past procedures.
- Joint replacement, surgical screws, plates, rods, or pins.
- Medication patch, glucose monitor, insulin pump, or wearable device.
- Tattoos, permanent makeup, piercings, or body jewelry that may need review.
MRI safety note: Do not enter the MRI room with keys, phones, wallets, watches, hearing aids, removable dental work, hairpins, tools, weapons, or any loose metal item. If something feels uncertain, ask staff before crossing the screening line.
Follow the marked safety line. The equipment is stronger than it looks, and the fog is not responsible for flying objects.
What to wear
Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to change out of. For some exams, you may be asked to change into a gown. Avoid clothing with metal zippers, snaps, hooks, underwire, metallic thread, or heavy decorations if your instructions mention metal screening.
Leave valuables at home when possible. You may need to remove jewelry, piercings, watches, glasses, hair accessories, removable dental appliances, hearing aids, wallets, phones, or electronic devices before the test.
| Wear or bring | Avoid when possible |
|---|---|
| Loose, comfortable clothing | Metal zippers, snaps, hooks, underwire, or metallic fabric |
| Shoes that are easy to remove if needed | Large jewelry, watches, chains, or body jewelry that cannot be removed |
| A hair tie without metal, if useful | Hairpins, clips, magnetic lashes, or accessories with metal pieces |
Arrival time
Your appointment time may not be the same as your arrival time. Some imaging tests require early arrival for registration, changing clothes, screening forms, IV placement, oral contrast, lab review, or sedation preparation.
If you arrive late, your test may need to be shortened, delayed, or rescheduled. Call the imaging location if you are running late, went to the wrong building, or cannot complete the preparation instructions.
Bring with you
- Photo ID.
- Insurance card or insurance information.
- Your appointment instructions.
- Implant, device, or medication cards if you have them.
- Outside imaging discs, reports, or records if requested.
- A responsible adult driver if sedation or certain medications are planned.
When a support person may come
A support person may be allowed to come with you to registration, waiting areas, or parts of your visit. Whether they can enter the testing room depends on the type of exam, space, safety rules, radiation protection requirements, infection precautions, and whether sedation or contrast is used.
Support people are often helpful if you need communication support, mobility assistance, help with anxiety, a ride after sedation, or help remembering instructions. For some tests, staff may ask your support person to wait outside the scan room.
| Support need | What to ask |
|---|---|
| Anxiety or claustrophobia | Can my support person stay nearby before and after the scan? |
| Mobility or accessibility support | Can they help me check in, change, transfer, or get to pickup? |
| Sedation or medication for the exam | Do I need a responsible adult to drive me home? |
| Radiation or MRI safety area | Can my support person enter, or do they need to wait outside? |
Brookhaven note: If imaging is part of a Brookhaven Hospital care plan, staff may also review privacy, safety, and visitor guidelines before allowing a support person into clinical areas.
During the test
Imaging staff will explain how to position your body and whether you need to hold still, hold your breath, or remain quiet during the scan. Some tests are completed in minutes. Others take longer because of contrast timing, multiple image sets, or positioning needs.
Tell staff right away if you feel pain, panic, shortness of breath, severe itching, swelling, dizziness, nausea, or anything that feels unsafe. If you are inside a scanner, staff can usually see or hear you and will explain how to communicate during the exam.
During the scan, you may be asked to:
- Lie still while pictures are taken.
- Hold your breath for a few seconds.
- Change positions between image sets.
- Wait while staff checks image quality.
- Use a call button, squeeze ball, or intercom if you need help.
[[sh:If the static gets louder, breathe slowly and follow the technologist’s voice.]]
After the test
After most imaging tests, you can return to normal activity unless staff tells you otherwise. If you received contrast, you may be told to drink fluids afterward unless you have fluid restrictions. If you received sedation or certain medications, you may need a responsible adult to take you home.
Your images are usually reviewed by a radiologist or interpreting specialist. The written report may appear in your Silent Hill Health portal before your provider contacts you. Images themselves may not appear with the report and may require a separate request.
After your test, contact the care team if:
- You have a new or worsening symptom after leaving.
- You had contrast and develop concerning symptoms.
- You do not understand your report.
- The portal shows a result but no follow-up plan.
- A report, image, or result seems missing.
When to call or reschedule
Call the imaging location as soon as possible if you cannot make the appointment, cannot complete the preparation, are running late, are sick, or have a new safety concern. Some tests require specific timing, room setup, contrast preparation, or specialized staff.
| Call before arriving if | Why |
|---|---|
| You ate or drank when fasting was required | The exam may need to be delayed or rescheduled. |
| You are sick or have a fever | Staff may need to change timing, precautions, or location instructions. |
| You forgot implant or device information | MRI or contrast safety review may not be complete without it. |
| You need sedation or a ride home but did not arrange one | Your test may not be able to proceed safely. |
[[sh:If your appointment reminder lists “Lakeside Annex B” but the map shows only fog, call Radiology Scheduling. Do not follow handwritten arrows unless they are on official Silent Hill Health signage.]]
FAQ
Do all imaging tests use contrast?
No. Some tests use contrast and some do not. Your appointment instructions should say whether contrast is planned. If you are unsure, call the imaging location before your test.
Why do I need metal screening for MRI?
MRI uses a strong magnet. Some metal items, implants, fragments, or devices may be unsafe near the scanner or may affect the images. Always complete screening honestly, even if the metal or implant is old.
Can I wear my normal clothes?
Sometimes. Wear comfortable clothing without metal when possible. Staff may still ask you to change into a gown depending on the test, body area, or safety requirements.
Can my support person come into the scan room?
It depends on the test and safety rules. Your support person may be able to help with check-in or wait nearby, but they may not be allowed in the scan room if radiation, MRI safety, infection precautions, or space limits apply.
What if I am claustrophobic?
Call before your appointment. The imaging team may review options such as extra coaching, positioning support, music, a support person nearby, medication ordered by your provider, or a different imaging plan when appropriate.
What if I may be pregnant?
Tell the imaging team before your exam. They will review the test type, timing, and safety steps. Do not assume the appointment must be canceled, but do not wait until after the test to mention it.
When will I get results?
A radiologist or interpreting specialist usually reviews the images and creates a written report. The report may appear in your portal before your provider contacts you. Contact your care team if you do not understand the result or expected follow-up.
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