Preparation depends on the type of scan. Many services require no preparation at all. When you book, our staff will give you specific instructions for your study. As a general guide:

No preparation needed: Digital X-Ray, OPG, most DEXA scans, most non contrast CT scans, chest and bone X-rays.

Preparation required: Some ultrasound scans require a full bladder (pelvic, obstetric) or fasting (upper abdominal). Abdominal CT and MRI may require fasting for 4-6 hours. Mammography requires no deodorant or antiperspirant on the day. Interventional procedures have specific medication and fasting instructions. CT Calcium scores have preparation requirements.

If you are unsure, call us before your appointment as arriving unprepared may mean we need to reschedule your scan.

For most scans including X-ray, OPG, DEXA, mammography, and most ultrasounds, you can eat, drink, and take all medications as normal. No fasting is required.

Fasting is required for some studies: abdominal ultrasound (typically 4-6 hours, water is fine), abdominal CT with contrast, and some abdominal MRI sequences. Our staff will tell you clearly when you book if fasting applies to your study. Continue all regular medications unless specifically told otherwise by our staff or your referring doctor.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a support person to your appointment. They can accompany you in the waiting area and, depending on the procedure, may sometimes be able to stay in the room with you (for example, a parent accompanying a child for an X-ray). Please let our staff know at reception if you would like your support person to be present during the scan itself.

For MRI and CT, support people in the scan room must also complete a safety screening questionnaire. Pregnant companions are generally asked to wait outside the scan room during X-ray-based procedures.