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Preparation Before Tests

// Patient Preparation

Preparation Before Diagnostic Tests

Know how to prepare before your test for accurate results. Follow the recommended guidelines before visiting Apple Scans & Diagnostics, Ongole.

// Preparation Matters

Accurate Results Start With Proper Preparation

Accurate test results begin with proper preparation. Some diagnostic tests require fasting, while others may require you to avoid certain medications, arrive with a full bladder, or wear comfortable clothing.

At Apple Scans & Diagnostics, Ongole, our team is committed to making your testing experience smooth and stress-free. Please review the preparation instructions below before your appointment. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team.

General Guidelines for All Patients

Before visiting our diagnostic centre, please keep the following in mind:

  • Carry your doctor's prescription (if available)
  • Bring previous reports or scans for comparison
  • Carry a valid photo ID
  • Inform our staff about any ongoing medications
  • Inform us if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy
  • Inform us about allergies or existing medical conditions
  • Reach the centre 15–20 minutes before your appointment
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing
  • Drink enough water unless your doctor has advised otherwise

// Test Guide

Test-wise Preparation Guide

Select a test below to view preparation instructions.

MRI Scan

Before Your MRI

  • Remove all metallic objects such as jewellery, watches, belts and hairpins.
  • Inform the radiologist if you have:
    • Pacemaker
    • Cochlear implant
    • Artificial heart valve
    • Brain clips
    • Metal implants
    • Surgical screws or plates
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal zippers or buttons.
  • Inform us if you are pregnant.
  • Some MRI scans may require fasting if contrast injection is planned.
  • Bring all previous MRI, CT or X-ray reports.

CT Scan

Before Your CT Scan

  • Some CT scans require fasting for 4–6 hours.
  • Drink water unless instructed otherwise.
  • Inform us if you have kidney disease or diabetes.
  • Inform us about any allergies, especially contrast dye allergy.
  • Pregnant women should inform our staff before the scan.
  • Bring previous CT or MRI reports.

Ultrasound Scan

Preparation depends on the type of ultrasound

Abdomen Ultrasound

  • Fast for 6–8 hours.
  • Drink only water if required.

Pelvis Ultrasound

  • Drink plenty of water.
  • Do not empty your bladder until the examination is completed.

Pregnancy Scan

  • Early pregnancy scans may require a full bladder.
  • Later pregnancy scans usually do not require special preparation.

Color Doppler Scan

  • Usually no special preparation.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions if examining abdominal blood vessels.

Digital X-Ray

Usually no preparation required

  • Usually no preparation required.
  • Remove jewellery or metallic accessories near the examination area.
  • Inform us if you are pregnant.

Mammography

Special preparation for breast imaging

  • Schedule the test a few days after your menstrual period if possible.
  • Do not apply deodorant, perfume, powder or lotion around the breast or underarm area on the day of the examination.
  • Wear a two-piece outfit for convenience.
  • Bring previous mammography reports if available.

ECG & 2D Echo

Cardiac diagnostic preparation

ECG

  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Avoid applying body lotion or oils on the chest before the test.
  • Continue medications unless advised otherwise.

2D Echo

  • Usually no fasting required.
  • Continue prescribed heart medications unless your doctor advises differently.

Pulmonary Function Test (PFT)

Lung function test preparation

  • Avoid smoking for several hours before the test.
  • Avoid heavy meals immediately before the examination.
  • Wear loose clothing.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding inhalers.

Sleep Study

Overnight sleep monitoring preparation

  • Avoid caffeine and alcohol on the day of the study.
  • Wear comfortable nightwear.
  • Continue medications unless advised otherwise.
  • Bring your regular medicines if staying overnight.

Laboratory & Blood Tests

Preparation varies by investigation

Complete Blood Tests

  • Some blood tests require fasting.
  • Drink water before sample collection.
  • Inform us about medications.

Diabetes Tests

  • Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) requires 8–10 hours fasting.
  • Post Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) is performed 2 hours after a meal.
  • HbA1c does not require fasting.

Lipid Profile

  • Fast for 9–12 hours unless your doctor advises otherwise.
  • Drink plain water during fasting.
  • Avoid alcohol before the test.

Liver Function Test (LFT)

  • Fasting may be advised for certain patients.
  • Avoid alcohol before testing.

Kidney Function Test (KFT)

  • Drink adequate water.
  • Continue medications unless instructed otherwise.

Thyroid Profile

  • Usually no fasting required.
  • If you take thyroid medication, consult your doctor about when to take it on the day of the test.

Hormone Tests

  • Some hormone tests are performed on specific days of the menstrual cycle.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
  • Certain tests may require fasting.

Vitamin Tests

  • Some vitamin tests require fasting.
  • Inform us about vitamin supplements you are taking.

Allergy Tests

  • Inform our staff about allergy medications.
  • Follow your doctor's instructions regarding antihistamines before testing if applicable.

FNAC / Biopsy Procedures

Image-guided and fine needle procedures

  • Carry previous scan reports.
  • Inform us if you take blood-thinning medications.
  • Follow fasting instructions if advised.
  • Wear comfortable clothing.
  • Arrange someone to accompany you if recommended by your doctor.

Quick Fasting Reference

A simple guide to whether fasting is required for common tests.

Test Fasting Required
MRI (Some Contrast Studies)Sometimes
CT Scan (Contrast)Yes
Ultrasound AbdomenYes
Ultrasound PelvisNo (Full Bladder Required)
Blood Sugar (FBS)Yes
Lipid ProfileYes
Liver Function TestSometimes
Kidney Function TestUsually No
Thyroid ProfileNo
Vitamin TestsSometimes
ECGNo
2D EchoNo
MammographyNo
PFTNo

Important for Female Patients

Please inform our healthcare team if you:

  • Are pregnant
  • Think you may be pregnant
  • Are breastfeeding
  • Recently underwent surgery
  • Are undergoing fertility treatment

This information helps us choose the safest diagnostic procedure.

Taking Regular Medications?

Do not stop your regular medications unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so.

If you are taking:

  • Blood thinners
  • Diabetes medications
  • Insulin
  • Thyroid medicines
  • Heart medications

Please inform our healthcare team before your test.

What Should You Bring?

  • Doctor's Prescription
  • Previous Reports
  • Previous MRI/CT/X-ray Films (if available)
  • Health Insurance Documents (if applicable)
  • Government Photo ID
  • Current Medication List

// Need Help Preparing?

Not Sure How to Prepare?

Every diagnostic test is different. If you are unsure about how to prepare for your examination, our team is happy to assist you. Call Apple Scans & Diagnostics, Ongole — our staff will guide you with the correct preparation instructions before your appointment.