Do You Need Fasting Before an MRI, CT or Ultrasound Scan?

If you are someone who is advised to take a scan, the first thought that comes to our mind is “do we need to fast before a scan?” The answer to this question is complex, as it depends on the type of scan prescribed. The preparation, which includes fasting, plays a vital role in accurate imaging and is a crucial factor for diagnosis. This blog highlights the MRI scan preparation, CT scan fasting rules, and Ultrasound scan preparation and enlightens about diagnostic scan guidelines.

Why Is Fasting Required Before Some Scans?

Some diagnostic tests require one to fast before taking the test because:

• Improve the quality of images: Food in the digestive system can affect the quality of the image
• Avoid health complications: Certain tests require a contrast dye that could make you feel ill if your tummy is full
• Makes organs visible: An empty stomach makes organs visible during the test.

Not all tests will require fasting, hence the need to follow specific instructions for each test.

MRI Scan Preparation: Do You Need to Fast?

Usually, an MRI Scan does not require fasting. However, if your MRI scan involves contrast dyes like Gadolinium, it may require fasting. Also, MRI scans of the abdomen or Pelvis may require fasting.

MRI Scan Preparation Instruction

Generally, MRI scans do not need fasting unless instructed. The following are a few preparation tips to get an accurate scan.

• Remove all metal objects like watches, jewellery and so on
• Inform your doctor if you have implants or pacemakers
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Stay still during the scan for accurate results

CT scan Fasting Rules: What You Must Know?

In most of the cases, a CT scan demands fasting. It is very crucial to maintain a clear gut if the scan involves the use of a contrast dye. Fasting helps to prevent the feeling of Nausea and aids in the production of clear images in case of an abdominal scan.

CT scan: some important guidelines

The following instructions are to be followed while taking a CT scan.

• Do not consume food 4-6 hours prior to the scan
• You may drink water for hydration
• For some scans, you’ll need to drink oral contrast before the procedure
• Inform your doctor about allergies, especially if you are allergic to Iodine
• Mention if you have diabetes or kidney issues
• Carry previous reports for comparison

Does Ultrasound scanning require fasting?

Based on the type of ultrasound imaging, fasting requirements change. For instance, Abdominal Ultrasound scanning requires you to fast for at least 6 hours before the scan. However, Pelvic ultrasound imaging does not require you to fast; instead, you need a full bladder for clear imaging. Ultrasound scans of pregnancy require a full bladder during the initial stages as it acts as an acoustic window, but do not require any pre preparation for the later phase as amniotic fluid acts as the acoustic window.

Ultrasound Scan Preparation Tips

If you want to picture your organs clearly, during an ultrasound scan, follow the tips below.

• Follow specific instructions given by your doctor
• Avoid smoking or chewing gum before abdominal scans
• Drink water if required for pelvic scans

Scan: Dos and Don’ts

DOs:

• Select a reliable diagnostic center such as Sunray Scan.
• Follow the instructions provided by your diagnostic center.
• Consume plenty of water (unless advised not to).
• Wear comfortable clothing.
• Try to arrive early to reduce undue stress.

DON’Ts:

• Don’t eat if fasting is required
• Avoid alcohol before scans
• Don’t ignore medical history disclosure
• Avoid heavy meals before contrast scans

Diagnostic Scan Guidelines for Accurate Results

To obtain the best outcome from a scan, the following guidelines are need to be followed.

• Be aware of the preparation instruction and follow it
• Inform the technician about Pregnancy, Allergies and Medications taken to get an idea about your medical history
• Carry your previous scan reports
• Follow post-scan instructions carefully, especially for contrast scans.

Following these steps would ensure:

• Accurate diagnosis
• Faster results
• Less repetition of procedures

Choosing the Best Scan Center in Chennai

Choosing the best scan center in Chennai is very much important as they provide you the input for diagnosing diseases. Is you are evaluating a scan centre you should look whether it has the following factors.

• Advanced imaging technologies like MRI, CT and high-resolution ultrasound
• Experienced radiologists
• Hygienic and patient-friendly environment
• Quick report turnaround
• Transparent pricing
• Affordable price

When you search for the list of top scan centres in Chennai, Sunray Scans tops the list as it comprises all the above said factors. Moreover, their patient friendly approach, delivering precise imaging within a short span of time made them stand out from the other scan centres.

Conclusion

Scans and imaging are significant instruments to diagnose a disease. Hence, it is highly important to get precise imaging of organ. In order to get an accurate, high resolution, enhanced scan reports one must know and follow the scan-specific instructions without fail. Some scanning techniques requires fasting before scan and others may not. Thus, it cannot be generalised. However, this blog brings the individual preparation tips for different scan to your knowledge, so that you can prepare for your scan well in advance. Also, it is important to choose your diagnosing partner wisely. Scanning in trusted scan centres like us- Sunray Scan, would ease the process and provide accurate results quickly. Scan is yours; Stress is ours. We are with you throughout this diagnosing journey to make it safe and stress free.