A: Pregnant women in their first trimester are not scanned as the effects of MRI on the fetus in this stage is still unclear. Breastfeeding mothers can return to their normal routine immediately after the procedure. However, if contrast material is injected, they will be asked to wait 48 hours before breastfeeding, allowing the contrast agent to leave their system.
A: Family and friends are welcomed to accompany you; however, they will be asked to remain outside the examination room. If you need anything at any time during the procedure, you will be able to communicate with your technologist via an intercom system.
A: It is normal to feel well rested after the procedure since you have been lying on a table completely still for a short period of time. After the procedure you should feel fine and free to carry out your usual routine.
A: Before your MRI procedure your technologist will ask you a few different questions. These include if you are pregnant, have any medical condition or if you have any metallic implants. Asking about implants may seem odd, however, it is very important since an MRI machine uses strong magnetic fields which can be dangers if the patients have such objects. Therefore, you should let your technologist know if you have any objects such as Aneurysm clips, a pacemaker, metal implants, cochlear implants or steel surgical staples.
A: In some cases, a mammogram is not enough to obtain the required information about your breast. In these cases, a breast ultrasound is conducted.
A: Yes, but it is best to take these only with a small amount of water and nothing else.
A: For some procedures, the patient will be asked to fast. The reason for this can be many, this includes the use of a contrast agent during the exam which may cause nausea and stimulate vomiting if the patient is not fasting. Other reasons may be simpler to prevent abdominal motion due to food.
<strong>A</strong>: All results are kept confidential as the medical staff is bound to confidential agreements.
A: You should not take calcium 24 hours before your scan since it will alter the results of the procedure.
A: The bone densitometry scan is not a total body scan. The scanning area consists of the lumbar spine and the hip. Please inform your technologist if you have had a hip replacement.
A: Fractures are not diagnosed using a Dexa scan since they only give bone density measurements.
A: Previous scans help build a medical history for the patient. This provides additional information for the radiologists that may be necessary to generate an accurate diagnosis.
A: You may be asked to change into a gown for your procedure. It is advised to wear loose comfortable clothes that are easily removed.
A: The average exam duration of an X-ray is no more than 15 minutes. However, the time can vary dependent on the type of procedure being performed and whether contrast is used.
A: The amount of radiation you will be exposed to during an X-ray exam is extremely low, where the amount is comparable to the radiation received during an airplane flight.
A: No radiation will remain in your body after the procedure and you can go on with your daily routine normally. If a contrast agent was used during your CT scan, special instructions such as drinking plenty of water may be suggested.
