How to Prepare for Your Radiology Appointment: A Checklist

Preparing for a radiology appointment can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially if it’s your first time or if you’re unsure about what to expect. This checklist explains what to bring, what to wear and how to prepare for your upcoming X-ray, CT or ultrasound appointment at Scope Radiology in Clayton.

General Preparation Tips

These guidelines are broadly applicable to most types of medical imaging. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by our staff for your particular scan.

• Bring Your Referral: Please bring this with you. You need a valid referral from your GP or specialist. Without it, we cannot perform your scan, and you may not be eligible for a Medicare rebate. You can book before you have it.
• Bring Your Medicare Card: Please bring your current Medicare card, and your private health card if you have one.
• Previous Imaging Results: If you have had previous scans (X-rays, CT scans, ultrasounds) of the same body part at another clinic, please bring the films, CDs, or reports with you. These let our radiologists compare your scans and see any changes over time.
• List of Medications & Allergies: Be prepared to inform our staff about all medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Please tell us about any allergies, especially to contrast dyes (iodine), latex, or any other substances.
• Inform Us of Pregnancy: Tell us before your appointment if you are pregnant or think you might be. Some scans use radiation, which can harm an unborn baby, so we need to know before your scan.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing: Opt for loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips, buttons, or embellishments. Depending on the area being scanned, you may be asked to change into a gown.
• Remove Metal Objects: Before your scan, you will be asked to remove all jewellery, watches, hairpins, body piercings, and any clothing with metal. Metal can interfere with image quality.
• Arrive Early: Please arrive 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This allows ample time for check-in, paperwork, and any necessary pre-scan preparations.

Which scan will I have?

Your referral tells us which scan your doctor has asked for. You can read about each one on our X-ray, Computed Tomography (CT scan) and General Ultrasound pages.

Specific Scan Preparations

While the general tips apply, certain scans have unique preparation requirements:

For CT Scans:

• Fasting: For most CT scans you can eat and drink as usual. If your scan uses contrast dye, you will usually be asked not to eat for about 4 hours beforehand, but you can keep drinking water.
• Hydration: You might be asked to drink water before certain abdominal or pelvic CT scans.

For Ultrasound Scans:

• Abdominal Ultrasound: No food for 6 hours before your appointment. Water is fine. Avoid fatty meals the night before.
• Pelvic, Kidney or Bladder Ultrasound: Please arrive with a comfortably full bladder. Empty it 1 hour before your appointment, then drink 2 to 3 glasses of water and try not to go to the toilet again until after the scan.
• Other Ultrasounds (e.g., MSK, Thyroid): Generally require no special preparation.

What to Expect on the Day

1. Check-in: Present your referral and cards at reception. Complete any necessary forms.
2. Consultation: A radiographer or sonographer will explain the procedure, answer your questions, and guide you through any final preparations.
3. The Scan: You will be positioned for the scan. Please stay as still as you can, because movement can blur the pictures. The staff will communicate with you throughout.
4. Post-Scan: For most scans, you can resume normal activities immediately. If you received contrast, you might be advised to drink extra fluids.

Following this checklist and the instructions we give you helps us take clear pictures. If you are unsure about anything, call us on 1300 101 695.

This article is general information only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Please speak with your doctor about your own circumstances.