Diagnostic Imaging
575 Beech St, Holyoke, MA 01040
413-534-2523
Imaging Prep Instructions
Bone Density
- No calcium 48 hours prior.
- Needs to be scheduled at least 2 weeks after any exams using Barium.
Mammography
Any mammogram, ultrasound, or biopsy performed at the Women’s Center
- No powder or deodorant
Mammography or ultrasound guided biopsies performed at the Women’s Center
- Blood thinners need to be stopped prior to biopsy.
- Women’s Center staff will review with the patient prior to the appointment.
Ultrasound
Abdominal (including Aorta, Elastography, Renal Doppler, SMA/Mesenteric Arteries
- Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours.
- Medications with a *sip* of water are OK.
Pelvic (with or without vaginal ultrasound)
- Two hours prior to the ultrasound, empty your bladder.
- Drink 32 ounces of water and finish one to two hours before your exam.
- Do not empty your bladder before your exam.
- You may eat normally if you not having other fasting exams.
Bladder
- Two hours prior to the ultrasound, empty your bladder.
- Drink 32 ounces of water and finish one to two hours before your exam.
- Do not empty your bladder before your exam.
- You may eat normally if you not having other fasting exams.
Prostate
- Two hours before your exam, perform a cleansing with a Fleet enema #1.
Any other exam not listed above
- No prep
Nuclear Medicine
Gastric Emptying, HIDA (with and without CCK), Meckel’s
- 8 hours fasting
Stress (Cardiology)
- 3 hours fasting
- No caffeine for 24 hours
- Bring any prescribed inhalers
- Avoid smoking for 2 hours
- Wear sneakers and comfortable clothing
- Information will be mailed to you with more information and medications to avoid
Parathyroid, Thyroid
- Fasting 2 hours
- No Iodine for 1 to 6 weeks (check with radiologist)
- No IV contrast 1 month prior
Lung Scan
- Must have chest X-ray within 24 hours
X-Ray
Barium Swallow
- Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours.
- Medications with a *sip* of water are OK.
- Do not take antacid medication before exam.
Upper GI
- Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours.
- Medications with a *sip* of water are OK.
- Do not take antacid medication before exam.
Small Bowel Series (including upper GI w/ small bowel follow through)
- Nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours.
- Medications with a *sip* of water are OK.
- Do not take antacid medication before exam. This exam can take long, usually a minimum of 1 hour, sometimes can go through to the afternoon.
Barium Enema (unless it is for pre-ostomy reversal: no prep needed)
- Follow colon prep instructions provided by ordering provider & nothing to eat or drink for 8 hours before exam. *If for ostomy reversal: please empty bag prior to procedure.
Lumbar Puncture & Myelogram
- Coumadin (Warfarin), Eliquis (Apixaban), Padaxa (Dabigatran), Xarelto (Rivaroxaban): Stop for 3 days prior to procedure.
- Arixtra (Fondaparinux), Fragmin (Dalteparin), Iprivask (Desirudin), Lovenox (Enoxaparin): Do NOT take day of procedure.
- Aggrenox (Dipyridamole), Brillinta (Ticagrelor), Plavix (Clopidogrel): Stop for 5 days.
- Effient (Prasugrel), Ticlid (Ticlopidine): Stop for 7 days
MRI
MRCP
- 8 hour fast
Enterography
- 4 hour fast
- Arrive 1.5 hours before appointment for oral contrast
Breast biopsy and Pacemakers
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to exam
Prostate
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight
- No Caffeine for 24 hours
- No sexual activity for 48 hours
All other exams not listed above
- No prep needed
General MRI Considerations:
- MRI is a very strong magnet, it is best to leave jewelry at home.
- All patients will be asked to change into hospital provided gown and pants.
- Be advised some MRI exams require a contrast injection.
- If you have an implanted stimulator device, the device and the remote needs to be fully charged and working properly. The remote has to come with you to your appointment.
- All medication patches and diabetes sensors need to be removed.