Bones appear less white (radiolucent), thinned cortex — reduced bone density, fracture risk.
Patient Preparation & Tips
What to do before, during and after each scan
🧲 Before Your MRI
- Remove ALL metal: jewellery, hairpins, hearing aids, piercings.
- Leave credit cards outside — magnetic field erases the strip.
- Inform team of pacemaker, cochlear implant, metallic implants — may be contraindicated.
- Fasting usually not needed unless abdominal MRI with contrast.
- If claustrophobic, ask about open MRI or mild sedation options.
- Inform if pregnant — MRI is preferred over CT but 1st trimester caution applies.
🌀 Before Your CT Scan
- Fast 4–6 hours if contrast dye is planned (reduces nausea risk).
- Drink plenty of water before and after — helps kidneys flush the contrast dye.
- Inform of allergy history — iodine contrast can cause reactions in some.
- Metformin (diabetes drug) should be paused 48h before contrast CT — ask your doctor.
- Always inform if pregnant — CT uses radiation, avoid unless critical.
- Kidney function test (creatinine) may be needed before contrast use.
☢️ Before Your X-Ray
- Wear loose comfortable clothing; you may be given a hospital gown.
- Remove jewellery, belts and metallic objects from the area being scanned.
- Tell the technician if pregnant — a lead shield will be provided.
- No fasting needed for most X-rays. Barium swallow studies are an exception.
- Hold still and hold your breath when asked — even slight movement blurs the image.
- Bring prior X-rays for comparison — helps radiologist spot changes over time.
⚠️ Important Reminders for All Scans
- Never self-refer — always get a doctor's prescription. The right test depends on clinical history, not just symptoms.
- Bring your reports to every follow-up. Digital copies on phone are useful in emergencies.
- Ask questions — you have the right to understand why a specific scan is ordered and what it might find.
- Medication list — share a full list including supplements; some affect contrast dye metabolism.
- Children & elderly need adjusted protocols — ensure the facility has paediatric/geriatric imaging experience.