Patient Preparation

     No special preparations are needed. Eat and take any prescribed medications as usual (unless your doctor tells you otherwise).

Remember, though, that MR and metal don't mix, so:

• Tell your physician or the MR staff if you have a pacemaker, prosthesis, surgical clips, metal implants or any other metal objects in your body.  Some implants, such as a pacemaker, may be affected by an MR exam.
• Leave watches, coins, keys, bobby pins, credit cards, pocket knives, or any other objects that might be affected or attracted by the powerful magnet at home, or give these objects to the MR staff for safekeeping.
• Avoid wearing eye makeup because metal flakes or slivers are found in some products.
• Let the technologist know if you work around metal finishing or grinding equipment.  It's important to keep the eye area free of any metallic particles.

During the Examination

    Your MR technologist will first position you on the padded table.  Try to remain as still as possible during the exam to ensure the clearest images.  The table will then move smoothly into the magnet opening, and your exam will begin. 

    During your MR exam you won't feel anything.  The only thing you will notice is a knocking or buzzing sound that occurs as the images are being taken.  You should be provided with ear plugs to wear during the scan, or an audio headset may be available to minimize the noise.  The length of your exam is dependant on the type of study being done.  Many MRI exams are completed in about 30 to 45 minutes.

    An intercom and mirror arrangement in the system allows the MR staff to see and hear throughout the exam.  If you become uncomfortable at any point just say so.  The MR staff will be right there to assist you.

Post-Examination Information

     The radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report of the diagnosis to your referring doctor, who will then discuss the results of the examination with you.

What to Expect - CT

Patient Preparation

Depending on the type of scan to be done you may be instructed not to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to your exam.  If a scan of your abdominal area is to be done, you may be given contrast material to drink one hour prior to your exam.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  CT scans should not be performed during pregnancy because of the exposure to radiation. 

It is very important to let your physician know if you have had previous allergic reactions to a contrast material.

During the Examination

During the examination you will be lying on a comfortable patient table.  This table will move you through the opening of the examination unit called the gantry.  All you need to do now is pay attention to the instructions of the CT personnel who may, for example, ask you to briefly hold your breath or not to move certain regions of your body.  As with conventional x-ray examinations, you will not feel the acquisition of CT images at all; you will only hear a low whirring noise.

Post-Examination Information

     The radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report of the diagnosis to your referring doctor, who will then discuss the results of the examination with you.

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CT
  128 Slice Dual Source Siemens Definition

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Conemaugh Healthcare Pavilion | 1450 Scalp Avenue
Johnstown, PA 15904 | (814) 262-7290