Bone Densitometry is a non-invasive, painless test that screens for bone mineral density to determine the existence and extent of bone loss due to osteoporosis and other factors.
Preparing for your Bone Densitometry
Wear loose, comfortable clothing, preferably without buttons, buckles or zippers. The exam takes approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
CT (Computerized Tomography) is a computerized x-ray system that produces detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body. The non-invasive scan creates a three-dimensional view, which is referred to as "a slice." A CT scan is a pain-free, non-invasive technique to help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from tumors to blood clots to hairline fractures. For some studies it may be necessary to receive a contrast solution.
Preparing for your CT:
Do not eat anything for four hours before your exam and continue taking any medications that your doctor has prescribed for you. Wear loose-fitting clothing and do not wear any jewelry. If you are having an abdominal or pelvic CT, you may need to get an oral contrast solution at Robinson Imaging Center of Kent prior to your exam.
Most exams take approximately 15-30 minutes to complete. You will need to lie very still during the exam, and will hear the humming of the equipment as it produces the images. If contrast is injected into your arm, you may feel a bit warm and get a metallic taste in your mouth. If any of these symptoms develop during or after the scan, please notify the technologist or your physician. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are allergic to iodine or other contrast materials, please consult with your physician before scheduling your CT.
Diagnostic X-Ray
Robinson Imaging Centers at Kent & Streetsboro provide general radiographic services such as plain films of the chest, abdomen and all bones of the body for the purpose of diagnosing disease or injury. Our large room provides a comfortable atmosphere for our patients and the use of digital imaging and storage of films maximizes efficiency. Stat results are available, while most results are accessible within 24 hours.
Preparing for your Diagnostic X-Ray:
There is no prep for these exams other than wearing comfortable clothes, preferably without metal in them. If there is metal that will interfere with the study, the patient may be asked to wear a gown.
Laboratory Services
Our center staffs phlebotomists who are highly trained and skilled. We utilize two draw stations which ensure speed and efficiency for the collection of specimens in a safe and clean environment. Stat results are available, while most results are accessible within 24 hours.
Preparing for your Laboratory Services:
The only study that requires prep is any cholesterol or lipid panel. For these, fasting is required for 12 hours prior to the blood draw.
Mammography is a simple, low dose x-ray that is used to visualize breast tissue to detect abnormalities.
Preparing for your Mammography:
Do not use deodorant, powder or make up on the chest or under the arms, and wear a two-piece garment to make changing easier. The exam will take approximately 30 minutes to complete.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic
tool that uses a strong magnetic field to produce high resolution images
of internal organs and tissues. An MRI is a pain-free technique to help
diagnose a broad range of conditions from traumatic injuries to tumor
detection to joint disorders.
Preparing for your MRI:
There is nothing special you have to do to prepare for your MRI. Eat and drink as normal, and continue taking any medications that your doctor has prescribed for you. Wear loose fitting clothing and do not wear jewelry. You will be asked to remove your dentures, make up, hearing aids, glasses and any metal items you may have on your person.
You may have a family member or friend sit in the exam room with you if you choose. A technologist will be monitoring you throughout the exam, and you can communicate with him or her via an intercom at all times.
The exam will take approximately 30-60 minutes to complete. Robinson Imaging Centers use the latest technology to help alleviate the claustrophobia that some people experience with traditional MRI'S. You will hear some clicking or knocking sounds from the magnetic field - this is completely normal. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, or if you are allergic to iodine or other contrast materials, please consult with your physician before scheduling your MRI.
PET scan is completely painless, with no side effects. After fasting six hours, you will receive an intravenous injection of a radioactive glucose (sugar).
After waiting one hour for distribution throughout the body, you will lie still on the scanner table for the duration of the test; approximately 45-60 minutes, depending on the type of test.
Results of the scan are interpreted by a board-certified physician and are reported to your physician within 24 hours.
If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please notify Robinson Imaging Center at Kent (330) 677-3434 within 24 hours of your scheduled appointment, or you may be charged for the unused radiopharmaceutical.
Preparing for your PET:
- No food for at least six hours prior to the scan. This includes candy, gum and cough drops.
- The patient may drink water only.
- You may take your prescribed medications on the day of the exam.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
- If the patient has diabetes, eat a light meal four hours before the test and take your medication as directed by your doctor.
- If you have had a previous PET scan at any facility besides Robinson Memorial Hospital or Robinson Imaging Center at Kent, please bring those results with you on the day of your exam.
Ultrasound, or sonography is a diagnostic imaging technique that allows physicians to see inside the body. Ultrasound is a pain-free and non-invasive method to help diagnose a broad range of conditions, from gallstones to lumps in organs or tissues that may be cancerous. Ultrasound is also used to monitor the development of unborn babies.
Preparing for your Ultrasound
Fasting Exams: Do not eat or drink after midnight or eight (8) hours before the exam, this includes water, gum, mints, meds, etc.
- Abdomen
- Aorta|
- Gallbladder
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Spleen
Full Bladder Exams: Drink 32oz of water or other fluid one (1) hour before the exam. If the patient has an early morning appointment, they need to have breakfast - then drink fluids and hold until exam is completed.
- Pregnancy (OB)
- Pelvis
- Pelvis with transvaginal
- Male bladder (sometimes done with kidney exam)
- Bladder and kidney exam done together
Force fluids, but do not hold: May empty bladder as needed.
- Bilateral renal (kidneys)
Exams that do not need preparation:
- Extremity for soft tissue lesion
- Knee (for Baker's cyst)
- Thyroid
- Breast
- Scrotum