What Happens After Your Imaging Exam?

If your doctor feels that an imaging exam is necessary to gain more insight into your condition, or in order to assign a diagnosis to your symptoms, you could understandably be apprehensive or nervous. You’ll likely want to know everything possible about the test you will undergo, along with aftercare or best practices following any imaging diagnostics.

At Advantage Diagnostics, we help patients with imaging diagnostics tests every day. Here we will share some key information surrounding your exam that you’ll want to know.

What Is An Imaging Exam?

First off, though, just what are we talking about when we say imaging exams? This is a generic term for a variety of tests that help doctors to gain information about what is happening inside the body. They are generally not invasive, are typically safe for most people, and are easy to tolerate. At Advantage Diagnostics we offer MRI scans, ultrasound tests, and both CT scans and X-ray tests. Together, these form the foundation of imaging diagnostics, and are invaluable in diagnosing, monitoring and treating a wide range of conditions.

What Happens Before and During Imaging Diagnostics Exams?

CT Scan

Patients undergoing a CT scan will want to wear comfortable clothing. They will typically lie flat on their back on a bed-like table, and will need to remain absolutely still. A doughnut-shaped scanner will rotate around the patient, and at times holding one’s breath may be necessary for the clearest images. Sometimes a contrast agent is required for the most accurate test results–it will be administered as is appropriate for the organs being observed. This may require a fasting period prior to the test. Contrast dye can sometimes make patients feel flushed or they may produce a metallic taste in the mouth. CT scans typically only last several minutes.

X-ray

X-ray tests do not result in any physical sensation, are quick, and do not require prep beforehand other than perhaps removing metal objects that could potentially interfere with test results. Comfortable clothing is always recommended, though gowns are always available. The process of an X-ray exam involves lying still on a table or sitting or standing still. The radiologist will then position the equipment and capture the images–repositioning and/or holding of one’s breath may be necessary for the clearest images.

Ultrasound

This safe and non-invasive test does not require dyes or radiation to obtain results. Depending on the area of the body being scanned and the condition a patient has, they may need to fast or drink large amounts of water prior to the test. All ultrasound patients are recommended to wear loose, comfortable clothing that can easily be manipulated for access to the skin’s surface–gowns can also be worn. It is also easier for the technician if patients refrain from wearing jewelry.

MRI

Prior to your MRI scan, and depending on the part of the body being examined, you may or may not need to fast. As with other imaging diagnostics tests, you will want to wear comfortable, easy-to-change clothing in case you need to wear a gown. At Advantage Diagnostics we offer open MRI scans, which allows for the most comfort during the test. You will lie still on a table of sorts, for anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. Depending on the test, contrast dye may be necessary for better accuracy.

Prior to all tests, imaging diagnostics professionals and your personal physician will ensure that you do not have any contraindications for testing, and that the potential for pregnancy will not pose any concerns. It is generally recommended to take regular medications, but to bring them along for staff evaluation (exceptions would include any devices attached to the body that could contain metal parts). 

What Happens Following an Imaging Diagnostic Test?

Following an imaging exam, be it CT, MRI, X-ray or ultrasound, you can typically resume normal activities immediately. The only exception may be if contrast dye was used in your testing process. You will typically need to drink extra fluids to flush the dye from your system, and you may be monitored for a time afterward to ensure that you do not have any negative reactions. If you do have any bad reactions after leaving the office, you will need to let your doctor know right away.

Results are typically available for interpretation fairly soon after imaging diagnostics tests. Oftentimes, test results can be viewed in an online patient portal as well. A radiologist will interpret the images and send their report to your doctor–they should receive it in a few hours to up to two days later, depending on various factors. You will then be in touch with your doctor to receive the results of your diagnostic imaging test. If the situation is time-sensitive or an emergency, your doctor will soon be in touch with next recommendations.

Imaging Diagnostics Services In Cleveland and Columbus, Ohio

If you are a patient in the Cleveland or Columbus, Ohio area and your doctor has prescribed an MRI scan, CT scan, X-ray or ultrasound as part of your diagnosis, treatment, or monitoring plan, you can rely on the professional team at Advantage Diagnostics. We offer imaging diagnostics services along with a team of expert radiologists who can quickly and accurately interpret your test results. We know that timeliness is important–with us on your health team, you can trust that your prescribing physician will receive only the most accurate and timely results. Contact us today to learn which of our locations is most convenient for you, to request or submit a patient referral form, and to learn more about our suite of services.