Imaging Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for high-quality imaging.

Before Your Appointment

• Wear warm, loose, comfortable clothing (avoid zippers, snaps, and underwire bras)
• Plan to spend approximately 2 hours for your exam
• Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24–48 hours prior
• Continue prescribed medications except:
  • Do not take insulin or diuretics (e.g., Lasix) the day of your exam
  • Avoid over-the-counter medications
• If you are claustrophobic, talk to your physician about medication prior to your visit
• Check in 20 minutes early

Diabetes Considerations

• Blood sugar will be checked before your exam
• If your blood sugar has been consistently above 200 mg/dL, call ahead
• If you are a brittle/severe diabetic, request an early morning appointment

Diet – Day Before Your Exam

To improve image quality, follow a low-carbohydrate diet:

Foods Allowed:

• Meats, eggs, tofu, unsweetened peanut butter
• Non-starchy vegetables (spinach, broccoli, zucchini, lettuce)
• Water or black coffee (no sugar or cream)
• Butter, margarine, and oils

Foods to Avoid:

• Bread, pasta, grains, cereals
• Fruit and fruit juices
• Milk and sweetened beverages
• Sugar, candy, jams
• Potatoes, corn, beans
• Alcohol and soda
• Any food with more than 5g of carbohydrates

Day of Your Exam

• No food or drink (except water) for 6 hours prior
• Drink 2–6 glasses of water before your exam
• You may have one cup of black coffee (no additives)
• Take prescribed medications except diabetic and diuretic medications (bring them with you)

Location:
Eagle Medical Center
2874 N Carson Street, Third Floor

Before Your Appointment

• No caffeine (including decaf, chocolate, soda, energy drinks, or certain medications) for 12 hours prior
• No food, medications, or beverages (except water) for 4 hours prior
• Drink plenty of water

Medication Restrictions

• Avoid erectile dysfunction medications (Viagra, Levitra, Cialis) for 72 hours prior
• Do not take beta blockers for 24 hours prior (e.g., Atenolol, Metoprolol, Coreg)
• Do not take nitrates (e.g., Imdur, Nitro patch)

Day of Your Exam

• Do not apply lotions or creams to chest or abdomen
• Wear loose clothing with no metal (short sleeves preferred)
• Bring a fatty snack for after part of your test

Preparation is similar to a standard stress test, with a few key differences:

Before Your Appointment

• No caffeine (including decaf and chocolate) for 12 hours prior
• No food, medications, or beverages (except water) for 4 hours prior
• Drink plenty of water

Medication Restrictions

• Avoid erectile dysfunction medications for 72 hours prior
• Do not take nitrates

Day of Your Exam

• Do not apply lotions or creams to chest or abdomen
• Wear loose-fitting clothing without metal (short sleeves recommended)
• Bring a fatty snack for after your test