Patient Resources
Prepare for your imaging appointment
Knowledge reduces anxiety. Here's what you need to know.
Preparation guides by imaging type
Select your imaging type below to learn how to prepare.
Preparing for Mammography
Before Your Appointment
- Schedule 7–14 days after your period starts (breast tissue is less tender)
- Avoid caffeine for 2–3 days before if you have breast tenderness
- Wear a two-piece outfit for easy undressing
- Avoid deodorant, antiperspirant, or powder—these can interfere with imaging
During Your Appointment
- Expect gentle compression of your breast tissue
- Each breast takes about 15 minutes
- Tell your technician if you experience discomfort
After Your Appointment
- You can return to normal activities immediately
- Results typically available within 3 business days
Preparing for MRI
Before Your Appointment
- Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing (no underwire bras, metal zippers)
- Remove all metal jewelry, watches, and piercings
- Inform us if you have metal implants (pacemakers, metal plates, etc.)
- Eat normally unless instructed otherwise
- Take medications as usual unless told otherwise
During Your Appointment
- You'll lie on a table that slides into the MRI machine
- The machine is loud—we provide headphones and music
- The scan takes 15–45 minutes depending on the area being imaged
- Stay still to ensure clear images
- You can communicate with our technician at any time
After Your Appointment
- No restrictions—return to normal activities immediately
Preparing for CT Scan
Before Your Appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal
- Remove jewelry and metal accessories
- Eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise
- Inform us of any allergies, especially to contrast dye
- Bring a list of current medications
During Your Appointment
- You'll lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner
- The scan is quick—usually 5–10 minutes
- You may receive contrast dye through an IV for better imaging
- Hold still and follow breathing instructions
After Your Appointment
- Drink plenty of water if you received contrast dye
- Return to normal activities immediately
Preparing for Ultrasound
Before Your Appointment
- Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing
- For abdominal ultrasound: eat a light breakfast, then fast for 6 hours before your appointment
- For pelvic ultrasound: drink water and have a full bladder at appointment time
- For other ultrasounds: no special preparation needed
During Your Appointment
- You'll lie on an exam table
- Our technician applies warm gel to your skin
- A small probe moves over the area being imaged
- The exam is painless and takes 15–30 minutes
After Your Appointment
- Wipe off the gel
- Return to normal activities immediately
Preparing for X-Ray
Before Your Appointment
- Wear comfortable clothing without metal
- Remove jewelry and metal accessories
- Inform us if you're pregnant or think you might be
During Your Appointment
- You'll stand or sit while the X-ray is taken
- The technician positions you carefully
- The actual X-ray takes just a few seconds
- You may be asked to hold your breath
After Your Appointment
- Return to normal activities immediately
- Results typically available within 1–3 business days
Managing imaging anxiety
It's completely normal to feel nervous about medical imaging. Here are some strategies that help:
Before Your Appointment
- Learn about your procedure—knowledge reduces fear
- Practice deep breathing or meditation
- Tell us about your anxiety when you call to schedule
During Your Appointment
- Communicate with our technicians—we're here to help
- Use headphones and music during MRI
- Focus on your breathing
- Remember that our team has done this thousands of times
After Your Appointment
- Celebrate getting it done!
- Reach out to your physician with questions about results
You're not alone. Our team is trained to work with anxious patients. We take time to explain procedures, answer questions, and create a calm environment. Your comfort is our priority.
Ready to schedule?
Book your appointment online or call us at (626) 772-4455.