How to Prepare for Your Visit

Feel prepared. Know what to expect.

Before your scan

  • Bring the essentials

    Bring your referring doctor’s procedure order, your insurance card, and a photo ID.

  • Dress comfortably

    Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your exam.

  • Check water instructions

    Drink water as directed by your care team. If you have fluid restrictions or have been told to fast, ask how much water you may drink.

  • Confirm medications

    Take your usual medicines unless your care team gives you different instructions. Tell us what you take, including supplements. Do not stop medication on your own.

  • Follow fasting instructions

    For stomach or gallbladder studies, you may be instructed not to eat or drink for 4 hours beforehand. Other scans may need different preparation. Confirm your exact instructions with our team.

  • Tell us before your scan

    Tell your doctor and technologist if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Please contact us before your appointment so we can give you appropriate guidance.

What to expect during your study

  • Plan your time

    Imaging may take about 20–45 minutes, but your full visit may be longer because of tracer uptake or additional images. Some specialized studies require return visits over several days. We will confirm your schedule.

  • Receive the tracer

    A small amount of radioactive tracer is usually given through a vein or by mouth, depending on your study. An injection may cause brief, minor discomfort. You may wait before imaging while the tracer reaches the area being examined.

  • Lie still for your images

    You will usually lie on a table while a camera records images. It may sit above or below you, or be part of a large, ring-shaped scanner. Stay as still as possible. You may hear quiet clicking or buzzing sounds.

  • After your scan

    Most patients can return to their usual activities unless their doctor gives other instructions. The tracer leaves your body over time, often through urine or stool, and its radioactivity naturally decreases. Follow any aftercare instructions from your team.

  • Getting your results

    A qualified imaging physician will review your images and send a report to your referring doctor. Your doctor will explain what the results mean and discuss the next steps in your care.

  • Feeling claustrophobic?

    Some people feel “closed in” during a scan. Please tell us before your appointment so we can discuss ways to help you feel more comfortable. Ask whether sedation is available and appropriate for your exam; availability depends on the location and arrangements.

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