Helpful information for youe tests.

APPOINTMENTS:

We normally we do not give appointments for routine ultrasound examinations and other investigations. However, peripheral Doppler examinations are done with appointment only.

Appointment is also required for ultrasound or CT guided FNAC, Echocardiography, TMT, Holter, Executive Health check etc..

ULTRASOUND EXAMINATION:

When to come empty stomach?

All ultrasound examinations of upper abdomen or whole abdomen require you to come empty stomach. This is essentially to see gall bladder in distended condition. However, practically we are able to see it well in most of the patients and as a rule we do not recommend empty stomach. But once in a while if gall bladder is completely contracted we may suggest you to come empty stomach again to have a better look at gall bladder.
Coming empty stomach in the morning however helps in one more way as there is less gas in abdomen which helps in better visualization.

When to come full bladder?

Generally all lower abdomen and whole abdomen examinations require full bladder. Also examinations of KUB and early pregnancy (generally up to 3-4 months) will require full bladder. Full bladder means you have to take lot of water at least 1-2 hrs before examination and not pass urine. A well distended urinary bladder helps in seeing uterus, ovaries and adnexa properly in females and prostate in males. It also helps in seeing small stones in bladder and ureters in KUB examination. It is important to note that an urge to pass urine does not indicate you are having full bladder. A really full bladder will make you uncomfortable. We need you to have full bladder but you should be comfortable. For these examinations come with some margin to wait as your turn may not come immediately on reaching clinic.

Examination of children:

Examination of small children is difficult if they are crying. A well satisfied child is less prone to crying. We do not normally recommend them to be kept empty stomach except in some situations. Sometimes child may need to be sedated.

CTSCAN EXAMINATIONS:

Upper abdomen and whole abdomen examinations:

It is essential to come with overnight fasting for these examinations. Investigations will take 2-3 hrs or even more to complete as oral contrast is generally given and it takes time to reach colon. We normally do not ask patient to come with full bladder as it will generally fill during the course of administration of oral contrast. However, you are required not to pass urine during this examination.
KUB and lower abdomen examinations:
There is no need of fasting for these examinations but full bladder is a requirement. Further avoid examination immediately after taking food. A gap of 2hrs is advisable whenever contrast is to be administered.

Head examination:

Normally no preparation is required for these examinations. But in case of children and those with neurological problems may need to be sedated/anaesthetized as good examination can not be done if patient is moving his/her head.

Allergy to drugs and contrast media:

Though we use non-ionic contrast media which have very few reactions. However, a severe reaction is a possibility. If you are allergic to any drug or contrast media you must tell us. This may require modification and different planning for examination.

MRI:

Upper/ whole abdomen examinations/MRCP

The precautions are same as for CT scan.

KUB and lower abdomen examinations:

Patient is required to be full bladder.

Contrast administration:

Though in most of the examinations no contrast is used. But some will require administration of contrast. This is generally so when we suspect infective/inflammatory pathology or mass lesion. Some times it is also administered for vascular studies and other special applications.

X-RAY EXAMINATIONS:

Generally no preparation is required for routine x-ray examinations. But x-ray of abdomen/ KUB/ LS spine will require you to have preparation previous night with charcol/unienzyme and some laxatives.

Special x-ray investigations will required additional preparations and these will be given to you at the time of appointment itself.

BMD, PFT: Do not require any preparations.

TMT and STRESS ECHO: Do not come for these investigations immediately after taking meals.

PREGNANCY: X-ray, CT scan and Mammography are generally not advised during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant please inform the doctor before these investigations.