No preparation needed.
Patients may be asked to remove jewellery or clothing with metal in the area being imaged.

• General

  Abdomen: Fast for 6 hours (no food or drink except water).

  Pelvis or Renal: Arrive with a full bladder (drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before, do not urinate).

  Neck, Thyroid, Limbs: No preparation needed.

• Obstetric

  Early pregnancy (up to 14 weeks): Full bladder required (as above).

  • After 14 weeks: No specific prep, but a partially full bladder may help image quality.

• Paediatric

  Varies by age and area. Usually:

  Abdomen: Fasting may be required depending on age.

  Pelvis: Encourage fluid intake for full bladder.

  Specific instructions are given case-by-case.

• Vascular

  Abdominal aorta/renal vessels: Fast for 6 hours.

  Leg veins or carotids: No preparation needed.

• Cardiac CT:

  Avoid caffeine and exercise for 12 hours before the scan.

  Take heart-rate controlling medications if prescribed.

  Fast for 2–4 hours (water is allowed).

• Other CT scans: May require fasting or specific instructions depending on the body area.

No preparation needed.
Patients should remove jewellery, glasses, dentures or anything metallic near the head and neck.

• No calcium supplements for 24 hours before the scan.

• Wear comfortable clothing with no metal (e.g. zips or buttons).

Fasting may be required depending on the procedure and if sedation is used.

Bring a current medication list, especially if on blood thinners (these may need to be paused).

Arrange for transport if sedation is involved.

You’ll receive specific instructions based on the injection or biopsy type and location.