Listed below are instructions to help patients prepare for exams or procedures. If you have any questions about the appropriateness of the instructions or other concerns please do not hesitate to call Harmony Imaging Center at (970) 282-2912 to ask for clarification.
Abdominal & Pelvis Exams
- No food or drink three hours prior to exam.
- Oral Contrast to be taken the night before the examination and again one and 1/2 hours before exam.
Brain Exam with IV Contrast
- No food or drink three hours prior to exam.
Chest Exam
- No food or drink three hours prior to exam.
Extremities
- Please bring any relevant x-rays if taken somewhere other than the Imaging Center, Poudre Valley Hospital, Heart Center of the Rockies.
EATING: You are not allowed to eat 4 hours prior to your appointment. Also, refrain from exercising 24 hours prior to your scan. Unless you are on fluid restriction for other reasons, drink at least 64 ounces of water the day before the scan, including at least two 8-ounce glasses of water the night before your scan to prevent dehydration. Drink two 8-ounce glasses of water the morning of your scan. If your scan is scheduled for the afternoon, drink several additional glasses of water during the morning.
MEDICATIONS: We will ask what medications you take when you schedule your appointment. You will be provided further instructions at that time. If you feel you will need sedation or are a diabetic, contact the Harmony Imaging Center several days prior to your scheduled appointment for further instructions.
ALLERGIES: Allergic reaction to the pharmaceutical has not been described.
CLAUSTROPHOBIC: Most claustrophobic patients are able to tolerate a PET scan. The technologist will position only the part of the body being scanned in the machine. The technologist will leave the room, but can see you at all times throughout the entire scan. In addition the scanner makes little noise.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring your insurance cards and any insurance forms with you. You will need to bring your previous CT or PET scans to your exam. Also, please bring any medications that you need to be taken while at the imaging center.
WHAT TO WEAR: You should dress in comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry and other valuables at home
Aorta & Abdomen: Liver, Pancreas, Gall Bladder, Spleen
- The patient is to have nothing by mouth after midnight the evening before the examination.
Kidneys
- Finish drinking 32 oz. of water one hour prior to examination time.
- DO NOT empty the bladder until examination is completed.
OB 2nd & 3rd Trimester (after 11 weeks)
- The patient is to drink 32 oz. of water, FINISHING 45 MINUTES prior to the exam.
- DO NOT empty your bladder until your examination is completed.
OB 1st Trimester (up to 11 weeks)
- Please order a transvaginal ultrasound.
- No prep is needed.
Pelvis exam for patients under 17 years
- Finish drinking 32 oz. of water one hour prior to examination time.
- DO NOT empty the bladder until examination is completed.
Pelvis exam for patients older than 17 years
- A transvaginal ultrasound will be done.
- No prep is needed.
Barium Enema
- Patient should obtain Fleet #3 prep kit from a pharmacy and follow instructions for the 24-hour prep.
- There is no prep for children 12 and under.
Esophagram
- No preparation is needed.
IVP
- No food or drink after midnight the evening before the examination.
UGI‹Upper Gastrointestinal Examination Stomach and/or Small Bowel
- No food or drink after midnight the evening before the examination.
- Please report for the x-ray examination at the specified time without breakfast or liquids.
- No gum chewing or smoking before the exam.
