These procedure instructions are provided for your convenience. If there are differences between the procedure instructions given here and the ones given you by your doctor, please follow your doctor’s orders.

If you don’t see your procedure listed here, please contact the physician who ordered the procedure for instructions.

Abdomen 1 View
Arthrogram Hip
Arthrogram Knee
Arthrogram Shoulder
Arthrogram Wrist
Barium Swallow
Biophysical Profile
Bone Densitometry
Bone Scan
CT Abdomen and Pelvis
CT Angiography Head
CT Angiography Neck
CT Angiography Pelvis
CT Bronchoscopy
CT Chest
CT Chest with Calcium Scoring
CT Colonoscopy
CT Dual Phase Liver and Pancreas
CT Guided Aspiration and or Biopsy
CT Head
CT Lower Extremity
CT Neck Soft Tissue
CT Pyelogram of the Renal and Bladder Areas
CT SI Joint Injection
CT Sinuses
CTA Chest and or Coronary Arteries
Cytoscopy Bladder
Doppler Duplex Studies
Enema
Fistulogram
Gastric Emptying
HIDA Scan
Mammogram
Ultrasound Abdominal
Ultrasound Aorta
Ultrasound Breast
Ultrasound Hip
Ultrasound Gallbladder
Xray Chest



Abdomen 1 View (KUB)

Purpose:  To evaluate the kidneys/bladder and bowel for signs of
any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test   may have to be rescheduled or delayed.  A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There is no special preparation for this exam.

• This is NOT a fasting exam.

Arthrogram Hip

Purpose:  To better evaluate abnormalities to the internal hip.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test; there are no special preparations for this exam.

• If you are allergic to seafood or Iodine contrast please notify the Radiology nurse at least
the day before your exam.  You may need premedication before the test can be completed.

• The test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Arthrogram Knee

Purpose:  To better evaluate abnormalities to the internal knee.

Test Preparation:
•  A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or  delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test; there are no special preparations for this exam.

• If you are allergic to seafood or Iodine contrast please notify the Radiology nurse at least the day before your exam.  You may need premedication before the test can be completed.

• This test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Arthrogram Shoulder

Purpose:  To better evaluate the shoulder for internal injuries.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed.  A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test; there are no special preparations for this exam.

• If you are allergic to seafood or Iodine contrast please notify the Radiology nurse at least the day before your exam.  You may need premedication before the test can be completed.

• This test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Arthrogram Wrist

Purpose:  To better evaluate the wrist for internal injuries.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test; there are no special preparations for this exam.

• If you are allergic to seafood or Iodine contrast please notify the Radiology nurse at least the day before your exam.  You may need premedication before the test can be completed.

• This test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Barium Swallow

Purpose: To evaluate the throat and esophagus for any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting test.  You may NOT have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before your exam.

• Hold all of your medications until after the exam.

• This test takes approximately 30 minutes.

Biophysical Profile

Purpose:  To evaluate the pregnant uterus and fetus for abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or  delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting exam. You may eat, drink and take all of your prescribed medications.

• This does not require a full bladder.

• You will be lying on the exam table and the technologist will put warmed gel on your abdomen to scan.

• A family member, significant other, or friend may accompany you to this exam. Children are allowed, but there must be an adult with the patient to supervise the child.

• This test takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes.

Bone Densitometry

Purpose: To evaluate the spine for signs of osteoporosis.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is NOT a fasting test.

• There are no special instructions for this test.

• This test takes approximately 30 minutes.

Bone Scan

Purpose:  To allow the evaluation of the body skeleton for abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test. You may eat, drink and take all of your medicines the day of the test.

• An injection of a radioactive isotope is given, then there is a 2- 2 ½ hour rest period to allow the medicine to be   absorbed into the bones. You will be lying down for this test.

• After the injection, you may leave to eat, shop or run errands while you wait for the scan time. Or you may bring a book  to read and wait in our
waiting room.

• If you are severely claustrophobic, notify the Radiology nurse.

• The actual scan itself takes approximately 30 minutes.


CT Abdomen and Pelvis (Computed Tomography)

Purpose: To evaluate structures, organs, and nodes of the abdomen
and pelvis.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• Pick up your preparation package in either the Potsdam (main hospital) or Canton (E. J. Noble Building) Imaging Center prior to the exam. Instructions for oral contrast are provided with this prep.

• If this is a child under 5 years of age you must notify the Radiology Nurse.

• You should bring all other x-rays with you on the day of your appointment.

• Diabetic patients need to contact the Radiology Nurse to review
their medications.

• This is a fasting appointment.  You may have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before this test.

• If you have an allergy to seafood or iodine, notify the Radiology Nurse as soon as possible. There are special instructions that you need. This also applies if you have multiple medication allergies, environmental
allergies, etc…

• We need to have blood work to confirm adequate kidney function. (BUN/Creatinine). If your doctor cannot provide these levels, we may need to have blood work drawn before the procedure. This may delay the start
of the exam.

• This test takes approximately 15 – 30 minutes.

CT Angiography Head

Purpose:  To evaluate the blood vessels in the head for any abnormalities.

Test Preparations:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam, please do not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours prior tot his exam.

• Diabetic patients please call the Radiology Nurse to review your medications before the test.

• This exam requires an injection of iodine contrast.  If you are allergic to iodine or seafood, please call the Radiology Nurse, you may require premedication before this exam.

• Tell the doctor’s office that we will need a recent BUN/Creatinine level on the patient due to contrast injection.  If they have questions, instruct them to call the Radiology Nurse.

• This test takes approximately 30 minutes.

CT Angiography Neck

Purpose:  To evaluate the blood vessels in the neck for any abnormalities.

Test Preparations:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam. Please do not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to this exam.

• Diabetic patients please call the Radiology Nurse to review your medications before the test.

• This exam requires an injection of iodine contrast.  If you are allergic to iodine or seafood, please call the Radiology Nurse. You may require premedication before this exam.

• Tell the doctor’s office that we will need a recent BUN/Creatinine level on the patient due to contrast injection.  If they have questions, instruct them to call the Radiology Nurse.

• This test takes approximately 30 minutes.

CT Angiography Pelvis

Purpose:  To evaluate the blood vessels in the pelvic region for abnormalities.

Test Preparations:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam, please do not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours prior tot his exam.

• Diabetic patients please call the Radiology Nurse to review your medications before the test.

• This exam requires an injection of iodine contrast.  If you are allergic to iodine or seafood, please call the Radiology Nurse. You may require premedication before this exam.

• Tell the doctor’s office that we will need a recent BUN/Creatinine level on the patient due to contrast injection.  If they have questions, instruct them to call the Radiology Nurse.

• This test takes approximately 30 minutes.

CT Bronchoscopy

Purpose:  To evaluate the lungs and associated structures.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There are no special preparations for this exam.

• This is not a fasting exam.

• This test will take approximately 30 minutes.

CT Chest

Purpose:  To evaluate organs and structures of the chest.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• Notify the radiology nurse if your test is for a child under 5 years of age.

• This is a fasting appointment. Fast for four (4) hours prior to this exam.

• Diabetics:  please contact the Radiology Nurse to discuss
your medications.

• If you have an allergy to iodine, seafood, notify the Radiology Nurse as soon as possible. There are special instructions that you need. This also applies if you have multiple medication allergies, environmental
allergies, etc…

• We need to have blood work to confirm adequate kidney function (BUN/Creatinine). If your doctor cannot provide these levels, we may need to have blood work drawn before the procedure. This may delay the start
of the exam.

• You should bring your most recent chest x-ray from any other facility on the day of your appointment.

• This test will take approximately 15 – 30 minutes.

CT Chest with Calcium Scoring

Purpose:  This is a low dose CT exam of the chest which will demonstrate the presence and degree of plaque containing calcium within the coronary arteries. This test is used as a screening tool in evaluating cardiac
risk factors.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A
faxed order is acceptable.

• Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have
received it.

• Abstain from caffeine products for 4-6 hours prior to procedure.

• For an optimal exam, a heart rate of less than 70 is needed. Speak with your physician if you have questions about this.

• No contrast injection is needed.

• This test will take approximately 15 minutes.

CT Colonoscopy

Purpose:  To screen the colon for any polyps/masses or other abnormalities. A small tube will be inserted into the rectum and a balloon inflated to hold it in place. Carbon dioxide is given through this tube to distend the bowel; this allows better visualization during scanning.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This exam requires a bowel cleansing prep and dietary changes. You may pick the instructions and prep kit up at either Canton (E. J. Noble) Imaging Center or Potsdam (main hospital) Imaging Center.  Please pick the prep kit up at least 2 days before the test.

• You may take your morning medicines with a drink of water. If you have an afternoon appointment you may have toast and either black coffee or tea
for breakfast.

• Diabetics:  please contact the Radiology nurse for instructions with
your medicines.

• You may drive yourself. There are no medicines given that would prevent you from doing so.

• This test will take approximately 60 minutes.

CT Dual Phase Liver and Pancreas

Purpose:  To evaluate the liver and pancreas for abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam; you may not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours before this exam.

• This exam requires you to pick up a barium prep to drink before this test.  You may pick up the prep from Canton (E. J. Noble Building) Imaging Center, or Potsdam (main hospital) Imaging Center

• Diabetics:  Please call the Radiology Nurse to review your medications.

• If you have a history of an iodine or seafood allergy, please call the Radiology Nurse.  You may need special instructions and possibly premedication before your test.

• This test will take approximately 30 minutes.

CT Guided Aspiration and or Biopsy

Purpose: To obtain a sample of fluid and/or tissue and/or to drain a fluid collection. Fluid and tissue samples are used to make a disease diagnosis.

Test Preparations:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• You must have blood work done before this test. CBC/PT/ PTT must be done no later than the day before the test.  These are not fasting lab tests.  Either your Physician or the Radiologist will order them.
 
• You must stop any/ all blood thinners (baby aspirins, adult aspirin, Vitamin E, garlic, Coumadin, etc.) 5 days prior to the biopsy.  Consult your MD before stopping prescription blood thinners.
 
• You must bring a driver for this test. You may not drive yourself home.

• You must be fasting for 4 hours prior to this test.
 
• If you have a history of heart murmur that requires antibiotics prior to dental work, we need to know that you might require antibiotics for this procedure.
 
• The nurse will call you prior to this test to review the procedure and answer any of your questions.

• This test will take approximately 60 – 90 minutes, and another 60 minutes post-procedure for recovery.

CT Head

Purpose:  To evaluate structures of the head in order to identify abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• As a precaution, you should fast 4 hours prior to the exam. This exam may require an Iodine contrast injection.

• If it is determined you need contrast, an IV will be started for the injection.

• If you have an allergy to seafood, iodine and/or multiple medicines, or environmental allergies, you should call the Radiology Nurse. You may need premedication prior to this study.

• Diabetics: Please call the Radiology Nurse to discuss your medications.

• If it is determined contrast is needed, we would need to know a recent BUN/Creatinine (A blood test that evaluates kidney function).

• If you have x-rays done at other facilities, please bring the x-rays with you.

• This test will take approximately 15 - 30 minutes.

CT Lower Extremity

Purpose:  To evaluate any part of the leg for abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There is no preparation for this exam.

• You will lie on the CT scan table for the images to be taken.

• Bring with you all x-rays taken at other facilities.

• This test will take approximately 15 minutes.

CT Lumbar and or Sacral Spine

Purpose:  To visualize the structure and alignment of the lumbar-sacral spine.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There are no dietary instructions for this test. You may eat, drink and take all your prescribed medications.

• There is no preparation for this scan.

• You will lie on the CT scan table and the machine will take the images.

• Please bring with you all other x-rays taken at other facilities.

• This test will take approximately 15 minutes.

CT Neck Soft Tissue

Purpose:  To visualize and evaluate the soft tissue structures of the neck.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam: you must fast for 4 hours prior to the exam.

• Diabetics:  please contact the Radiology Nurse to discuss
your medications.
 
• An IV will be started for this scan to allow the injection of an
iodinated contrast.

• If you have an allergy to iodine, seafood, notify the Radiology Nurse as soon as possible. There are special instructions that you need. This also applies if you have multiple medication allergies, environmental
allergies, etc…

• We need to have blood work to confirm adequate kidney function (BUN/Creatinine). If your doctor cannot provide these levels, we may need to have blood work drawn before the procedure. This may delay the start
of the exam.

• Bring with you all x-rays taken at other facilities.

CT Pyelogram of the Renal and Bladder Areas

Purpose: To evaluate the kidneys, ureters and bladder for any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting test; please DO NOT have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the exam.

• This exam requires an injection of iodinated contrast.  If  you have a history of renal failure or are allergic to iodine or seafood, please call the Radiology Nurse at least the day before the test.

• Diabetics:  Please call the Radiology Nurse to review your medication.

• This test will take approximately 30 minutes.

CT SI Joint Injection

Purpose:  The injection of medicine into the SI (Sacroileac) joint for the purpose of pain relief.

Test Preparations:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• You must stop any/all blood thinners for 3 days prior to this procedure (baby aspirin, adult aspirin, coumadin or other prescription blood thinners, Vitamin E).

• Consult your MD prior to stopping any prescription blood thinner.

• There are no dietary restrictions for this procedure.

• You may take all your other medicines as prescribed.

• A nurse will call you prior to this exam to review the procedure and answer your questions.

• This test usually takes approximately 60 minutes.

CT Sinuses

Purpose:  To evaluate the structures of the sinuses.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There is no preparation for this exam, nor is it a fasting exam.

• Please bring with you all x-rays taken at other facilities.

• This test usually takes approximately 15 minutes.

CTA Chest and or Coronary Arteries (Computed Tomography Angiogram)

Purpose:  To evaluate your heart and coronary blood vessels for blockages and/ or occlusions.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This test requires that your heart rate be 60 or less beats/minute. To obtain this rate your MD will be ordering a beta blocker (Metoprolol) to be taken the day before the test and the day of the test.  If you are currently on a beta-blocker, your MD may change your dose for this test. Please call your doctor to speak to him/her about this.

• We need to have blood work to confirm adequate kidney function. (BUN/Creatinine). If your doctor cannot provide these levels, we may need to have blood work drawn before the procedure. This may delay the start
of the exam.

• You must not have any caffeine for 24 hours before this procedure.

• You must be 4 hours fasting for this test.

• Diabetics:  We will be calling you with instructions and medicines to hold.

• If you are allergic to seafood/ Iodine or have multiple medicine/ environmental allergies, please notify the Radiology nurse ASAP. You may need special pre-medication, prior to this study. 

• This test takes approximately 30 – 90 minutes, depending on your
heart rate.

Cytospcopy Bladder

Purpose:  To evaluate the bladder for any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting test: you may not have anything to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to this test.

• Diabetics:  Please call the Radiology Nurse to review your medications before your exam.

• If you are allergic to iodine or shellfish, please call the Radiology Nurse as soon as possible; you may require medication prior to this exam.

• This test usually takes approximately 30 minutes.

Doppler Duplex Studies

Purpose:  To evaluate the patient’s leg veins for the presence of any clots.

 Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There are no dietary restrictions for this appointment.

• There is no special preparation for this exam.

• You will be asked to lie down on an exam table. An ultrasound technologist will place a warm gel on the affected area and scan that area for the presence of a clot.

• This test takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes

Enema (Barium or Gastrographin)

Purpose: To evaluate both the Small and Large Bowel.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• These tests involve a bowel cleansing prep that is done the day prior
to the test.

• You may pick up the prep and instructions at either the Canton Imaging Center or CPH Imaging Center.

• Hold your medicines until after the test.

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before the test. (Drinking a small amount of water that a.m. is ok)

• Diabetics: You may have tea and/or coffee and dry toast the morning of the test. Please consult with your MD for adjustment of your insulin dosage before this test

• This test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Fistulogram

Purpose: To evaluate an abnormal drainage tract.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test.

• There are no special instructions for this test.

• If you have an allergy to iodine contrast or seafood, notify the Radiology nurse at least the day before the exam.

• This test usually takes 30 – 60 minutes.

Gastric Emptying

Purpose: To evaluate the stomach and its ability to digest and empty.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam. You may have nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours prior to scan time.  Normally, this means you will fast from 7 pm the
night before.

• A radioactive medicine will be mixed in with a bowl of oatmeal. You will eat the oatmeal, which then allows the stomach to be visualized and scanned.

• This test usually takes approximately 90 minutes.

HIDA Scan

Purpose:  To evaluate the gallbladder and its function.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• You must be fasting for 8 hours: no water, hard candies, juice
or medicines.

• An IV will be started in your arm to allow 2 injections. The 1st medicine injected is the radioactive medicine that enhances your gallbladder. You will be lying on the scan table for about an hour while pictures are taken of your gallbladder. Then a 2nd injection will be given. This medicine makes your gallbladder think you have eaten a fatty meal. Occasionally, patients feel somewhat crampy and/or nauseous with this injection. The scan will continue for approximately another hour while images are taken of your gallbladder function.

• If you are seriously claustrophobic, please notify the radiology nurse.

• This test usually takes approximately two hours.

Mammogram (Bilateral)

Purpose:  To evaluate the breasts for any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is not a fasting test.
 
• Please do not use deodorant on the day of your test.

• Avoid caffeine for 48 hours prior to the exam.

• If you have had prior mammograms done at another facility, please bring them with you, or call that facility to have them sent to CPH.  The Radiologist will need them to compare to your mammogram from this appointment.

• This test takes approximately 30 minutes.

Abdominal Ultrasound

Purpose:  To evaluate the abdominal organs for any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam. You may not have anything to eat, drink nor take any medicines for 8 hours prior to this exam.

• If you are also having a pelvic ultrasound with this test, that exam requires a full bladder. You need to drink at least 24 ounces of water in the hour before the scan time.

• You will be lying down for this test and the technologist will then spread some warm gel onto your abdomen to allow the scanning of the area. The test takes approximately 30-60 minutes.

Aorta Ultrasound

Purpose:  To evaluate the abdominal aorta for signs of an aneurysm, blockage or other abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable.

• Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have
received it.

• This is a fasting exam. You cannot have anything to eat or drink and must hold your medications 8 hours prior to this exam.

• You will be lying on the exam table and the tech will then put warm gel on your abdomen to allow scanning and images to be taken. The test takes approximately 60 minutes.

Breast Ultrasound

Purpose:  To evaluate the breast for the presence of any cysts or solid masses.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There are no special preparations.

• Deodorant and caffeine do not affect this test and therefore can be used.

• If this test is ordered to evaluate an area seen on your last mammogram, and if you had your mammography done at another facility, you MUST bring your mammogram films to this appointment.

Carotid Ultrasound

Purpose:  To evaluate the carotid blood vessels in your neck for signs of blockage or other abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There are no special preparations. You may eat, drink and take all your usual medicines.

• You will be lying on the exam table and the technologist will place some warm gel on your neck to allow the scan images to be taken.

• This test takes approximately 60 – 90 minutes.

Ultrasound Hip

Purpose: To evaluate infant hips for dysplasia/abnormalities in the joint.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There is no special preparation for this exam. It is not a fasting exam.

• This test must be done in Potsdam and with Tabitha Smith as the technologist.

• This test usually takes approximately 30 – 60 minutes.

Ultrasound Gallbladder

Purpose:  To evaluate the gallbladder for any abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• This is a fasting exam. You are not permitted to take medicines, food or liquids for 8 hours before the test.

• You will be asked to lie down and a warm gel will be placed on your abdomen near the upper right quadrant. The technologist then scans the area to take images of the gallbladder.

• This test usually takes approximately 30 minutes.

Xray Chest

Purpose: To evaluate the chest and lungs for signs of abnormalities.

Test Preparation:
• A doctor’s order is required for this test. You must bring it with you. Otherwise, the test may have to be rescheduled or delayed. A faxed order is acceptable. Please call the department prior to the exam to verify that we have received it.

• There are no special instructions for this exam.

• This test takes approximately 15 minutes.