How Long Do Imaging Exams Take?

Your life is busy. And when you add the layer of illness, doctors visits for diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management to your everyday responsibilities, it’s understandable that you’d want to know how much time you’ll have to invest. We’d argue that your health is important and worth the time it takes to feel better. That said, here’s a quick guide on what to expect time-wise when you get imaging diagnostics testing done at Advantage Diagnostics. Each case will vary, and individual circumstances are on a wide spectrum, but here’s what to know.

Factors That Impact Test Length

Whether you are visiting Advantage Diagnostics’ Beachwood or Columbus location, the exam type is the most important factor that will determine how long your test may be. Remember that these time estimates are for the test itself. Waiting to be called, changing into a gown, and consulting with the technician can take additional time. Here is what to expect for the time of each test we offer at Advantage Diagnostics:

• X-ray: capturing the required images typically takes anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes
• MRI: imaging typically takes 15 to 30 minutes, but can go up to 45 minutes
• CT scan: normal imaging diagnostics take 10 to 30 minutes
• Ultrasound: standard ultrasound exams last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour

The area(s) in the body that require imaging diagnostics testing can impact the length of time of the exam. If a patient is in pain or is not very mobile, this can also complicate and lengthen the process. Some tests can be done both with and without a contrast dye. If a dye is required for best imaging results, then it will obviously take a longer amount of time for the dye to be administered and start to spread through the body. And if contrast dye is taken, a patient will also need to be observed to ensure their safety. 

Another factor that can lengthen the time of an imaging diagnostics test can include a request from the prescribing physician to take multiple images at various angles. And obviously, if you are having more than one type of test done, then you will be spending more time with us.

How To Shorten Test Duration

While patients cannot actually shorten the test itself, they can certainly do some small things that make a big difference on exam day. For one thing, patients can wear loose-fitting, simple, comfortable clothing so that the test can more easily be administered. They can also arrive at the requested time so that check-in and the test itself go smoothly and on schedule. Ensure that requested identification and insurance information is also available, and that any pre-exam preparation instructions have been followed carefully.

If a patient is having an MRI test done, they can prepare by not using certain personal care products and by coming to our facility having already removed eyeglasses, jewelry, hearing aids and removable dental work. If they wish to keep these on their person until the appointment, these items can be removed and left in their dressing room prior to the exam. Those who have medical implants, devices, or have been exposed to metal fragments should have made this information available to our staff well in advance to the exam day. If fasting is required, a patient should be clear on the directions and follow them to the letter to ensure a quicker process.

While it may feel difficult or stressful in the moment, holding perfectly still when asked to do so and holding one’s breath when requested are top ways to ensure that a patient is doing all they can to allow the technician to obtain a clear image. Movement by the patient will interfere with the imaging diagnostics and can lead to a longer test process if the captured images do not meet the necessary quality standards for successful diagnosis and treatment.

When Results Are Delivered

While imaging diagnostics tests themselves are typically very quick and streamlined, it can take a little time for our radiologists to interpret the results and deliver them to your doctor. After your imaging test, exam results may be discussed with you or may be available in your online patient portal. In general, timing varies depending on the exam and urgency of your situation. Whatever the case, you will be sure to know the results and the recommended next steps in a timely manner. 

Imaging Diagnostics Exams At Advantage Diagnostics

You may hear that all scans and exams take hours, but this simply isn’t the case. More often than not, it is a quick, painless, and uneventful experience. Imaging diagnostics tests don’t require much from patients, and thanks to our open MRI equipment, you can expect the most comfortable experience possible. With a little preparation on the patient’s part and communication on both sides, imaging diagnostics tests can offer an easy way for doctors to understand what is going on inside the body and offer tailored treatment options and therapeutic solutions. For answers to commonly asked questions, feel free to contact us at Advantage Diagnostics. 

If you are a patient in the Cleveland or Beachwood, Ohio area and your doctor has prescribed imaging diagnostics testing as part of your healthcare and condition assessment, Advantage Diagnostics is here to help. We are proud to offer professional imaging services along with a team of expert radiologists who can quickly and accurately interpret your test results. Contact us to request or submit a patient referral form, and to learn more about our suite of diagnostic imaging services. We look forward to helping you on your healthcare journey.