Patient Preparation

For Computed Tomography

  • Do not eat or drink for 3 hours prior to the study, except for medications.
  • Please notify our office for special instructions at least 3 days in advance if you are allergic to iodinated contrast (iodine dye) or have a history of serious allergic reactions.
  • Please notify our office for special instructions at least 3 days in advance if you are currently taking glucophage (Metformin or Glucovance). If you require iodinated contrast for the CT scan, glucophage should not be taken the day of, or the day following the exam. Ask your referring physician if a check of your renal function is required before resuming glucophage.
  • Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the exam. Metal objects can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and snaps. Patients may also be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work, depending on the part of the body that is being scanned. Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

For Custom Body CT and/or Cardiac Calcium Scoring

  • No nicotine, caffeine, alcohol or other stimulants the day of the study. Please notify the office if a cardiac pacemaker is in place. Patients should expect the study to last approximately 15-20 minutes.

For Virtual Colonoscopy

  • A "LOSO Prep" kit will be sent to you via Federal Express prior to your exam. Please follow the instructions below.
  • TWO DAYS BEFORE EXAM: For the best bowel cleansing and ideal conditions for the exam, we recommend a diet low in animal proteins (red meat/chicken) for 2 days prior to the examination.
  • ONE DAY BEFORE EXAM: The day before the exam, you must be on a 24-hour liquid diet.
    • Breakfast: Clear soup (any broth); strained fruit juices without pulp; flavored gelatin that is not red (do not add any extra ingredients); soft drinks, black coffee or plain tea.
    • Noon: Clear soup (any broth); strained fruit juices without pulp; flavored gelatin that is not red (do not add any extra ingredients); soft drinks, black coffee or plain tea.
    • Between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm: Drink one (1) full 8 oz glass of water each hour.
    • 5:00 pm: Clear soup (any broth); strained fruit juices without pulp; flavored gelatin that is not red (do not add any extra ingredients); soft drinks, black coffee or plain tea.
    • 5:30 PM: SLOWLY ADD CONTENTS OF THE PACKET OF MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, CITRIC ACID AND POTASSIUM CITRATE FOR ORAL SOLUTION TO 8 FL OZ OF COLD WATER IN A LARGE GLASS (MINIMUM 16 FL OZ CAPACITY). STIR GENTLY. AFTER EFFERVESCENCE (FIZZING) STOPS, STIR GENTLY AND DRINK ENTIRE CONTENTS OF THE GLASS. THIS PRODUCT GENERALLY PRODUCES A BOWEL MOVEMENT IN 30 MINUTES TO 6 HOURS.
    • 6:00 pm: Drink one (1) full 8 oz glass of water.
    • 7:00 pm: Drink one (1) full 8 oz glass of water.
    • 7:30 PM: PEEL THE BACKING OF THE PACKET OF BISACODYL TABLETS AND REMOVE THE FOUR (4) ENCLOSED TABLETS. TAKE ALL FOUR (4) WITH ONE (1) FULL 8 OZ GLASS OF WATER.
    • DO NOT CHEW TABLETS. THE TABLETS ARE TO BE TAKEN TWO HOURS AFTER DRINKING THE MAGNESIUM CARBONATE, CITRIC ACID, AND POTASSIUM CITRATE FOR ORAL SOLUTION. BISACODYL TABLETS GENERALLY PRODUCE A BOWEL MOVEMENT IN 6 TO 12 HOURS.
  • MORNING OF EXAM
    • 8:00 pm: Drink one (1) full 8 oz glass of water.
    • 9:00 pm: Drink one (1) full 8 oz glass of water.
    • Day of the procedure: DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING.
    • DO NOT USE THE SUPPOSITORY IN THE PREP KIT.