Vascular/Interventional Radiology (Angiography)

Preparing for the Exam

Inform the doctor ordering the test if you are taking any medications that thin the blood. This includes Coumadin, Plavix and Lovenox. If you take an aspirin a day, that is not a problem. If you are taking a medication that thins the blood and your doctor hasn't advised you to stop taking it prior to the procedure, please call us at 401-793-4429.
If you have had an allergic reaction to x-ray contrast or dye in the past, call us at 401-793-4429.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your scheduled procedure. Medications may be taken with a sip of water. If you are on insulin, take only half of your usual dose on the morning of the procedure.
If you are taking any medications regularly, please bring either the medications themselves or a list of these medications and their doses with you to the hospital on the morning of the procedure.
If you take insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents, only take half of your regular morning dose on the day of the procedure, as you will not be eating breakfast the day of the procedure and your blood sugar might get too low if you take a full dose.
If you take Glucophage or Glucovance, discontinue use the day of the procedure and do not resume taking it for 48 hours after the procedure and follow-up bloodwork.

For more information about vascular/interventional radiology at The Miriam Hospital, call 401-793-4429 or e-mail LCornell@Lifespan.org.