Preparing for an exam at Cypress Women's Imaging depends on the type of exam you are having. Not all exams require special preparation. If you don't see your exam listed below it is likely for this reason.

General Guidelines
For the Day of Your Exam

• Please arrive 15 minutes before your exam, unless otherwise notified. This will allow time to confirm your insurance information and fill out any necessary paperwork.
• Bring your insurance card with you and be sure to notify us if there have been any changes to your insurance or if you have moved since the last time you visited one of our facilities.
• Bring a copy of the exam request form from your physician's office. If you are scheduled for an annual, screening mammogram, a new referral form may not be needed.
• Wear loose, comfortable, metal-free clothing; and be prepared to change into a patient gown if necessary.
• Call ahead to discuss any special needs you have, such as physical limitations.
• Bring any prior x-rays or scans with you that pertain to this exam. If a comparison is necessary, these films may be helpful to our Radiologists.
• Notify the Technologist if you are pregnant or if there is any chance you may be and also of any medications you have been taking.

Mammogram

• It is best to schedule your mammogram the week after your period when the breast are less tender.
• Advise the Technologist if you have any particular symptoms or can describe an abnormality. Also, be sure to mention any family history of breast cancer.
• Do not wear deodorant, talcum powder, or lotion under your arms or on your breasts on the day of the exam. These products can often mimic breast disease.
• Before the exam, you will be asked to remove all jewelry and clothing from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear that opens in the front
• If you have breast implants, let us know when you make your appointment so we can optimize your exam.

Breast or Cardiac MRI

• Patients may eat and take medications as they normally would, unless directed otherwise by a physician.
• Patients should wear clothing without any metal clips, ties or belts.
• Because MRI uses a strong magnetic field, please notify us prior to your exam if you have a pacemaker, artificial heart valve or any other metal inside your body. Additionally any jewelry or body piercings will need to be removed.

Ultrasound

• For OB and pelvic exams, you will need to drink 32 oz. of water in the hour before your exam. Do not empty your bladder until the exam is complete.
• For abdominal exams patients must not have anything to eat or drink after midnight the night before their exam. Medications may be taken with a small amount of water. No smoking the morning of the exam.

Image Guided Biopsy

• Patients having biopsies must refrain from taking any aspirin or Coumadin for 5 days prior to their exam and must not eat or drink anything for 4 hours before the exam.

DEXA - Bone Density Study

• On the day of your DEXA study, you may eat normally, however, you should not take any calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before your exam.
• You may be asked to remove any jewelry, eye glasses or other metal objects on your clothing because they may interfere with the x-ray images.
• Be sure to inform the Technologist if you have recently had any other imaging exam where you were given a contrast material such as oral barium, an IV or if you've recently received a scan using a radioisotope.

Talk to your physician about your exam or contact us if you have any questions.