Patient Safety Tips Prior to the Procedure in Radiology
Please let us know if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please tell your doctor or technologist.
Please leave your valuables at home or in your room in the hospital.
Please let us now if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
Please bring a list of your current medications with you (out-patient). Stop taking Aspirin or aspirin-containing products at least 2 days prior to the procedure unless specifically instructed to do so. If you are taking other blood thinning medications, contact your doctor to discuss.
Bring copies of x-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans (films or CD-ROMs).
Please bring contact details of your referring doctor and local doctor, including fax numbers to ensure good communication between all of your physicians.
For outpatients, a responsible adult must accompany you home after the exam.
Preparation for the procedure
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the exam. Medications may be taken with a small amount of water.
Outpatients, please arrive 30 minutes before the scheduled exam time.
The technologist will verify your identification and exam requested.
There will be an opportunity for you to talk to the radiologist about the plan for the procedure and give your consent.
Inpatients will be scheduled and an escort will transport you to Radiology.
During the procedure
The duration of the procedure will vary, but the average is about 1-2 hours.
The technologist will position you on the exam table, usually lying flat on your back. The nurse may place monitors on you to measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level.
The nurse may place an intravenous (IV) in your arm for medications. If sedation or anesthesia is planned, you will be sedated for the procedure.
The technologist and nurse will be available to answer any questions.
