Safety First

Did you know that MR and CT imaging are some of the safest imaging techniques available today? However, there are a number of ways YOU can help keep your experience as safe as possible.

Questions to review BEFORE YOUR MRI exam:

Your entire body is exposed to the magnetic of the MRI scanner (not just the part being imaged), so we have to understand your whole body medical history prior to your exam. If your answer to any of these questions is “yes,” call Saint Anthony-Valparaiso at 219.476.7226 prior to your exam to make sure you can have the MRI.
Head

Do you have an aneurysm clip?
Do you have an implanted orbital or eye prosthesis?
Do you have any known possible metal fragments in eyes? (Welders, machinists, sheet metal worker, etc.)
Have you had inner ear surgery?

Heart

Do you have a pacemaker, wires or stents?
- If yes, bring the information card(s) given to you to your MRI appointment. This information is necessary to assure that the stent is MRI compatible.
Do you have an internal defibrillator?
Do you have a prosthetic heart valve?

Bone

Do you have any implanted orthopedic items? (Pins, screws, nails, clips, plates, wires, etc.)

General

Are you claustrophobic?
Have you had surgery to the area being imaged?
Have you had previous imaging exams?
Do you use a neurostimulator, pain pump, or bone growth stimulator?
Have you had an endoscopy procedure in last 4 weeks?

Questions to review BEFORE YOUR CT exam:

For the majority of CT exams that require contrast, we provide the contrast in the clinic through an IV needle two hours before your exam. Most contrast exams require no food or drink (NPO) four hours before the exam. Additional questions for patients receiving CT exams with contrast are listed below. If your answer to any of these questions is “yes”, call Saint Anthony-Valparaiso at 219.476.7226 prior to your exam to make sure you can have the CT exam.

Are you allergic to Iodine?
Are you allergic to shellfish?
Are you allergic to seafood?
Are you diabetic? If yes, are you on Glucaphage, Glucovance, Metformin, Metagylp or Avandmet?
Are both your kidneys functional?
Are you having an imaging exam of the abdomen or pelvis?
-If yes, contrast may need to be picked up the day before your exam so you can drink the contrast starting the night before. Our clinical staff will explain the process to you.

If you are not sure if your CT exam requires contrast or not, give us a call! We’re here to help: 219.476.7226