We’re here to help you prepare for your upcoming imaging appointment

Whether you are undergoing an MRI, CT, Ultrasound, the better prepared you are for your exam the more relaxed you will feel. Our detailed list of exam preparation instructions provides details on how you should prepare for your upcoming exam. Should you have any questions about these instructions, please contact us immediately to avoid any delays or cancellations on the day of your appointment.

Serving Chicago, Elgin and Orland Park

Preferred Imaging Centers has multiple convenient locations to serve the Chicago metro and surrounding areas.

Locations

WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU

  • Photo ID
  • Current health insurance card
  • Prescription/referral or authorization paperwork
  • Previous images and reports related to your exam

GENERAL PATIENT INFORMATION

Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment unless your exam prep guidelines or a member of our team advises otherwise.

Patients receiving sedation for an MRI scan must be accompanied by a friend or family member who can safely drive them home after their test is over.

PATIENTS RECEIVING IV CONTRAST

Recent blood work is needed for all patients age 60+ and for all patients who have diabetes, hypertension, multiple myeloma, renal disease, renal insufficiency, renal failure, nephrectomy (one kidney) or renal surgery, and renal transplant.

  • Blood work requirements:
    • Date drawn (within 6 weeks of exam date)
    • Creatinine
    • BUN
    • GFR (if available)

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (MRI) / MR ANGIOGRAPHY (MRA)

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.

Remove any metallic objects (jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, etc.), hair extensions or wigs, and clothing with metal parts such as zippers or underwired bras, prior to exam as these may interfere with the clarity of the images.

For MRI with IV contrast:

  • Review the IV Contrast Guidelines section above for full preparation details including blood work requirements.
  • Some tests may require that you avoid food or drink for 2-4 hours prior to the exam. Please follow the exact guidelines you are given.

For MRCP MRI/abdominal test:

  • No food or drink* for 4 hours prior to the exam.

Please contact us if you have a history of the following:

  • Brain aneurysm clips
  • Cochlear implants or ear tubes
  • Electronic implantable devices
  • Neurostimulator
  • Breast Expanders
  • Has worked with metal
  • Artificial heart valve
  • Pacemaker

*DO NOT stop taking your medication. All medications may be taken with a small sip of water.

COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)

For CT with IV contrast:

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.
  • Review the IV Contrast Guidelines section above for full preparation details including blood work requirements.
  • No food or drink* for 4-6 hours prior to the exam.

For CT with oral contrast, including abdomen and pelvic scans:

  • Please arrive 1 hour prior to your exam to allow time to drink the oral contrast.
  • No food or drink* for 4-6 hours prior to the exam.

For CT without contrast:

  • Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your exam.
  • No additional preparation is required.

*DO NOT stop taking your medication. All medications may be taken with a small sip of water.

ULTRASOUND

Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your appointment.

For Echocardiography, Thyroid, Carotid, Breast, and Scrotal:

  • No preparation is required if you are having an ultrasound of your breast, or other body parts such as your thyroid or scrotum.

For Renal Doppler:

  • No food for 6 hours prior to the exam.

For Gallbladder, Liver, Abdominal, and Pancreas:

  • No food for 6 hours prior to the exam.

For Bladder and Pelvis (includes Obstetrical and Transvaginal):

  • Drink and finish 32 oz. of clear liquids 1 hour prior to appointment.
  • The bladder must be full at the time of the exam.
  • Do not urinate.
  • An empty bladder will prevent us from performing the exam.

DIGITAL X-RAYS

Please inform your imaging technologist if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your exam.

Remove any metallic objects (jewelry, glasses, hairpins, hearing aids, etc.) and clothing with metal parts such as zippers or underwired bras, prior to exam as these may interfere with the clarity of the images.