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Patient Testing Procedures: Radiology (Imaging Services)
Arteriogram/angiogram Myelography Pelvic Ultrasound Ultrasounds: Gallbladder, Pancreas, Liver or Abdominal Aorta |
Arteriogram/Angiogram How To Prepare For Your Exam Please inform your physician if you are allergic to IODINE or x-ray dye, if there is a possibility of pregnancy, if you are nursing, or on chemotherapy so this information can be relayed to Radiology prior to you coming in for the exam.
Your physician feels you would benefit from having an arteriogram/angiogram, which is a radiographic examination of a portion of your blood circulation. The area in which the catheter will be inserted will be numbed using a local anesthetic called Xylocaine. A very small catheter will be inserted into an artery. Using flouroscopy, the radiologist will guide the catheter to the area needed to do the exam. Contrast (IODINE) will be injected through the catheter, and films will be taken. You will feel a warm sensation from the contrast when films are being done. The warm sensation will last only a few seconds. Depending on the type of exam, several injections may be required. The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes, occasionally longer, depending on the exam. When the exam is completed, the catheter will be removed, and pressure will be applied by trained personnel to stop the bleeding. A bandage will then be applied; you may remove it the next morning. When the Procedure is Complete If you are scheduled as an outpatient, you will be sent to a recovery area for six to eight hours. You must keep the extremity used for the exam straight; do not bend or push using that extremity. The nurses will be checking the area frequently. You may now eat and drink, unless otherwise ordered by your physician. You may resume normal activities in 24 hours. You will receive written instructions before you are discharged to home. Remember, someone must spend the night with you. The results of the exam will be available to your physician the same day. Report the following to the nurse immediately:
For Questions or More Information Call (814) 889-6623 Imaging Services Altoona Regional Health System 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601-4899 Myelography Prior To Your Exam
Please bring with you the day of the test: You must have a written Physician's Order, your physician may fax us one prior to the day of your scheduled exam, insurance cards/information, Social Security Card. Take the elevator near the gift shop to the 7th floor. Go to the Same Day Surgery on the right side. If you are unsure of where to report, ask a Greeter for directions. 1. You will need to discontinue the following classification of drugs 48 hours prior to the myelogram and 24 hours after the exam. PLEASE get permission from your physician before stopping these medications: 2. Drink additional fluids the day prior to your exam especially caffeine containing drinks. About Your Myelogram Your doctor feels that you would benefit from a Myelogram. A Myelogram is an x-ray of your spinal cord. Once on the nursing unit, an IV will be started. You will also receive a sedative, after signing a consent form, to help you relax (usually Valium). You will be taken to the Radiology Department for the exam. The Radiologist will numb the area with Xylocaine, a small needle will be inserted into your back and dye will be injected. X-rays will be taken at this time. Occasionally spinal fluid samples will be taken if requested by your physician. You will then be taken for a CT (Computerized Tomagraphy) Scan for further films. Special note: Occasionally delays occur; please accept our apologies. You may have to wait in our holding area for a short length of time. Pain medication is routinely ordered; please ask if you need something for pain. After Your Procedure is Completed 1. Upon completion of your Myelogram and CT Scan, you will return to the nursing unit. If it has been two hours since the completion of the Myelogram, you will be discharged home. Remember, someone must drive you home. 2. You may resume normal activities once at home. Possible Complications 1. Ten to 30 percent will have a post-lumbar puncture headache (spinal headache). Pain medication is ordered and can be given to you immediately. 2. Other complications can rarely occur such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and tinnitus (ringing in your ears). 3. Very rarely seizure activity has been reported, especially if patients have not stopped taking the medications listed above under "How to prepare for your exam." Please discuss any concerns you may have with your physician before you are scheduled for your Myelogram. For Questions or More Information Call (814)889-6623 Imaging Services Altoona Regional Health System 620 Howard Avenue Altoona, PA 16601-4899 Ultrasounds: Gall Bladder, Pancreas, Liver or Abdominal Aorta *Note: The following testing procedure is the same for all four ultrasounds listed above. About Your Exam Your doctor has ordered a sonogram for you. It is a painless procedure which utilizes high frequency sound waves to identify your internal organs. Gel is applied to your abdomen and a probe called a transducer is moved over the skin of your abdomen, sending sound waves into your body. The transducer then listens for returning echoes which reflect off the internal organs. These echoes are then electrically converted by the ultrasound machine into an image on a television. Films are taken and kept with your medical records. How to Prepare for Your Test Please note: Your doctor may modify these instructions. For Questions or More Information Call (814)889-6623 Pelvic Ultrasound About Your Exam Your doctor has ordered a sonogram for you. It is a painless procedure which utilizes high frequency sound waves to identify your internal organs. Gel is applied to your abdomen and a probe called a transducer is moved over the skin of your abdomen, sending sound waves into your body. The transducer then listens for returning echoes which reflect off the internal organs. These echoes are then electrically converted by the ultrasound machine into an image on a television. Films are taken and kept with your medical records. How To Prepare For Your Pelvic Ultrasound Please note: Your doctor may modify these instructions. For Questions or More Information Call (814)889-6623 |
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