• Usually no special preparation is needed.
• Wear comfortable clothing and remove metal near the area being imaged.
• Bring your referral, any previous images, and your Medicare card.

• Fasting: If your scan uses contrast dye, do not eat for 2–4 hours beforehand; clear water is encouraged unless advised otherwise.
• Medications: Take your usual medicines unless we advise you differently. If you take metformin or have kidney disease, tell us in advance—you may be asked to pause metformin and we may check a recent kidney blood test. We will give you written instructions if needed.
• Hydration: Drink water before and after your scan, especially if you receive contrast dye.
• Wear comfortable clothing without metal. Bring any recent kidney function blood tests if available.

• Hydrate well; fast for 2 hours before your appointment (water allowed).
• Avoid all caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment (no coffee, tea—including herbal—chocolate, cola or energy drinks).
• Avoid smoking for 12 hours prior.
• Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your scan.
• Do not take erectile dysfunction medicines before your scan: Viagra (sildenafil), Cialis (tadalafil), Levitra (vardenafil), Spedra (avanafil). The exact timing depends on the medicine; this is commonly 24–72 hours. We will confirm your timing when we book your scan.
• Take your regular medicines unless instructed otherwise and bring a current medication list.
• Bring recent kidney function tests if available, and wear comfortable clothing without metal near the chest.

Preparation varies by area being scanned. We will confirm instructions when you book:

• Abdomen/Upper abdomen: Usually no food for 6 hours beforehand; water is fine. Avoid fatty meals before fasting starts.
• Pelvis/Kidneys/Bladder: Arrive with a comfortably full bladder (drink water 60 minutes before and avoid going to the toilet).
• Vascular/Musculoskeletal/Neck/Thyroid: Generally no special preparation.

Wear loose clothing and bring your referral and any previous imaging.

• Early pregnancy (up to ~14 weeks): Please drink water beforehand and arrive with a comfortably full bladder (we’ll advise amounts when you book).
• Second/Third trimester: A full bladder is usually not required.
• Avoid applying heavy creams or oils on your abdomen on the day—they can affect image quality.
• You may bring your partner/support person if you wish (space permitting).