How To Prepare

How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Test:

X-Ray

No preparation is needed. However, please try to minimize the amount of metal you wear on the day of your examination. X-rays can be done on a walk-in basis. Learn more about x-rays.

Bone Density (DEXA):

Do not take calcium supplements or pills for three days leading up to your exam. You may eat and drink before this test. Learn more about DEXA

Ultrasound/Sonogram:

  • Abdomen/Aorta:  Do not eat or drink anything for a minimum of 5 hours prior to your exam.
  • Pelvic or Obstetrical:  Drink 2 bottles of water one hour prior to your appointment time. Please do not use the restroom until after your exam.
  • Renal/Kidney/Bladder: Please drink 16 oz. (1 water bottle) of water, 1 hour prior to your appointment.

Learn more about ultrasound/sonogram.

Mammography:

  • Do not use deodorant or powder on the day of your exam. 
  • You should wear a comfortable, two-piece outfit. 

We recommend you bring your last 3 mammograms (on disks) if they were not completed at a Stony Brook Medicine facility. If you are unable to obtain your prior imaging before your test day, we can request them during your visit. However, this may delay your final report. Learn more about mammography.

MRI:

Please notify our staff when scheduling your appointment if you have a cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clip, hearing implant, spinal stimulator, or any implanted device as an MRI scan may be prohibited. All jewelry or metallic objects must be removed prior to an MRI. 

For an abdominal or pelvic MRI: Do not eat 2 hours prior to exam. Drinking clear liquids is encouraged. Avoid coffee or dairy products.  

Please know that for some MRI exams contrast is needed. The contrast contains gadolinium, which does not contain iodine and very rarely causes an allergic reaction. Learn more about MRI.

CT/CAT SCAN:

CT Abdomen and Pelvis CT:  Do not eat 2 hours prior to exam. Drinking clear liquids is encouraged. 
Any exam with IV contrast: Do not eat 2 hours prior to exam. Drinking clear liquids is encouraged.
All other exams without IV contrast: No special preparation is required.

*If you have had an allergic reaction to iodine based contrast, then please notify our staff as you may require premedication.

Learn more about CT/CAT Scan. 

PET/CT

Do not eat 6 hours prior to exam, but PLEASE drink plenty of water while you are fasting. The last meal before you begin fasting should be low in carbs and sugars (no bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, ice cream, candy, or juice). If you are diabetic, follow a strict diabetic diet for 24 hours prior to the exam. 

Do not have any mints, gum or candy as it may affect your results. This exam takes approximately 2.5 hours.
For 6 hours after the exam you should stay at least 3 feet away from children and pregnant women just in case. 

Learn more about PET/CT.