• Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your appointment and bring your referral. If you need to reschedule or cancel, call 24 hours in advance.
• Let us know what medications you take, including non-prescription medicines and supplements.
• Tell us if you are or may be pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.
• You will receive an injected, oral, or inhaled preparation of an isotope (a radioactive material) before your exam. This material highlights the part of your body being examined and allows the radiologist to see how certain organs are functioning.

Special instructions for stress test and myocardial perfusion

• Do not eat for 6 hours before the test.
• Avoid beverages that contain caffeine for 48 hours prior to your study.

Special instructions for Gallbladder (HIDA) and Gastric Emptying scans

• Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before the exam.

Special instructions for thyroid exams

• Within 4 weeks before the scan, you should not have had any test that requires the use of contrast media.
• Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before your scan.
• Discontinue medicines containing iodine and thyroid hormones before the test following the schedule below. Contact your referring physician for approval before you stop taking any medication.
  • Synthroid: You need to be off this medication for 4 weeks before your scan.
  • Thyroxine: You need to be off this medication for 7 to 10 days before your scan.
  • Triiodothyronine: You need to be off this medication for at least 3 days before your scan.
  • PTU and Tapazole: You need to be off these medications for at least 3 days before your scan.