CT- and Ultrasound-Guided Procedures
Routine Preparations
If your doctor has scheduled you to have a procedure (biopsy, drainage
or aspiration) performed in the CT or ultrasound department at Rhode
Island Hospital, here's how to prepare and what you should expect.
The week before:
- Stop taking aspirin or aspirin products (Bufferin, Excedrin,
Ecotrin, etc.) or anti-inflammatory medications (Advil, Motrin,
Ibuprofen, Naprosyn, Aleve, Indomethacin, etc.) 2 days prior to
the procedure. It is okay to take Tylenol (acetaminophen).
- If you take Coumadin (warfarin) or other blood thinners, these
should be stopped 7 days before the procedure and a blood test
(prothrombin time) should be done 2 days before the procedure.
IMPORTANT: If you take the blood thinner, Coumadin (warfarin),
less than 7 days before the procedure, please call the secretary
at 401-444-8392 (for CT) or 444-5309 (for ultrasound),
as the procedure will need to be rescheduled for a later date.
- If your doctor ordered blood tests for the procedure that were
done outside Rhode Island Hospital, bring the results with you
or have them faxed to our department 401-444-5012 (CT)
or 444-7729 (ultrasound).
- If you have outside diagnostic imaging test results, such as
for a CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasound or x-rays, bring them with
you.
The night before:
- Do not eat solid foods after midnight.
The day of the procedure:
- The morning of the procedure, have only clear liquids, such
as tea, apple juice or water (no solid foods).
- Take your regular medications (except for those listed above)
in the morning.
- Bring x-ray studies and blood test results with you to the hospital.
- If you do not speak English bring a family member or friend
who can translate for you.
- At the hospital, first report to the second floor of
the APC building to register for your exam and receive your blue
card.
- After receiving your blue card, go to the CT or ultrasound department;
both are located on the second floor of the Meehan Building.
- The procedure and recovery time usually take up to 5 hours (but
may vary depending on the type of procedure).
- You will need somebody to drive you home and be with you the
night after the procedure.
- Results of biopsies and aspirations usually take 3 to 5 days
and will be sent to your referring doctor.
If you have questions regarding the appropriate preparations before
the procedure, please call 401-444-8392 (for CT) or 444-5309
(for ultrasound).
Back
|
