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Advanced
Imaging PointThe House of Imaging

Patient guide

Prepared patients
get smoother scans.

Everything here is general guidance - the exact instructions for your study are confirmed when you book, and your doctor's advice always comes first.

For every visit - what to bring

  • Your doctor's prescription or referral note
  • Previous imaging - films, CDs and reports - for comparison
  • A photo ID
  • Implant or device cards, if you have any
  • A list of your current medicines, if relevant to the study

Guide 01

Preparing for an MRI

Most MRI studies need no fasting - the essential preparation is the metal-safety screening every patient completes.

Before you come

  • Continue your usual medicines unless your doctor has said otherwise.
  • For certain abdominal or contrast studies, fasting may be advised - this is confirmed when you book.
  • Gather implant cards or surgical notes if you have ever had surgery or a device fitted.

On the day

  • Arrive a little early for the safety questionnaire.
  • Leave watches, cards, keys, coins, jewellery and hairpins outside the magnet room - lockers are available.
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal fasteners; you may be asked to change into a gown.

Afterwards

  • You can eat, drive and return to normal activities straight away unless told otherwise.
  • If contrast was given, drink water through the day unless your doctor restricts fluids.

Tell us first

  • Pacemaker, implant, clips, stents, cochlear device or metal fragments - tell us in advance
  • Possible pregnancy
  • Kidney disease or previous contrast reaction (for contrast studies)
  • Claustrophobia - tell us when booking so we can help

Guide 02

Preparing for a CT (plain & contrast)

Plain CT usually needs no preparation. Contrast CT needs a little planning - fasting and a recent kidney-function report.

Before you come

  • For contrast studies: fast for a few hours as advised at booking (sips of plain water are usually fine).
  • Bring a recent creatinine (kidney-function) report if contrast is planned - ask us if you are unsure.
  • If you take metformin for diabetes, tell us - the team will advise you about timing.

On the day

  • Bring your prescription and previous imaging.
  • Tell the team about allergies, asthma, kidney problems or any previous reaction to contrast dye.
  • Wear comfortable clothing; metal near the scanned area is removed.

Afterwards

  • Drink water through the day after a contrast scan unless your doctor restricts fluids.
  • Contact us or your doctor if you feel unwell after the examination.

Tell us first

  • Possible pregnancy
  • Kidney disease, diabetes or metformin use
  • Asthma, significant allergy, or a previous contrast reaction

Guide 03

Preparing for an Ultrasound

Preparation depends entirely on the area being examined - fasting for the abdomen, a full bladder for the pelvis, and often nothing at all.

Common preparations

  • Abdomen: no food for 4–6 hours beforehand; plain water is usually fine.
  • Pelvis (non-pregnant and early pregnancy): drink water and arrive with a comfortably full bladder.
  • Obstetric scans: follow your obstetrician's advice; later-pregnancy scans often need no preparation.
  • Thyroid, breast, small parts, Doppler: usually no preparation.

On the day

  • Bring your prescription and previous scans for comparison.
  • Wear two-piece clothing so only the examined area needs to be exposed.
  • The gel used is water-based and wipes off completely.

Tell us first

  • Exact preparation is confirmed when you book - it varies by study
  • Prenatal sex determination is prohibited by law (PCPNDT Act) and is not performed

Guide 04

Preparing for a Mammogram

A small amount of planning makes the examination more comfortable and the images easier to compare.

Before you come

  • If your breasts become tender before periods, the week after your period is usually the most comfortable time.
  • Collect your previous mammograms and reports - comparison is one of the most valuable parts of the read.

On the day

  • Do not apply talcum powder, deodorant, perfume or cream on the chest and underarm area - they can show up on the image.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit so you only need to undress to the waist.
  • Tell the technologist about any lump, pain, discharge or previous breast surgery.

Tell us first

  • Possible pregnancy or breastfeeding - tell us first
  • Breast implants - mention when booking so views can be planned

Guide 05

Preparing for X-ray, Fluoroscopy & OPG

Plain X-rays and OPG need no preparation. Contrast and fluoroscopy studies come with specific instructions when they are scheduled.

Plain X-ray & OPG

  • No fasting or preparation is needed.
  • Remove jewellery, hairpins, glasses and removable dentures near the area being imaged.

Contrast & fluoroscopy studies

  • Barium and other dynamic studies have exact fasting or bowel-preparation instructions - follow them closely; they decide the quality of the study.
  • Instructions are given when the study is scheduled; call us if anything is unclear.

Tell us first

  • Possible pregnancy - tell us before any X-ray examination

The information on this website is general in nature and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Imaging is performed as advised by your doctor. For urgent imaging requests, please call us first so our team can guide you. Advanced Imaging Point is a diagnostic centre, not an emergency department - in an emergency, contact your nearest hospital.

Book a scan

Unsure about your preparation?

Call us with your prescription in hand - the team will confirm exactly what your study needs.

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