How to prepare for your test
Preparation depends on the test. Below is what we can state for certain. Where we have not confirmed it, we say so rather than guess, and a phone call settles it before you travel.
Tests with confirmed preparation
Usually no fasting. Remove metal objects, jewellery, watches and electronic devices. Inform staff about implants, pacemaker, metal fragments or claustrophobia.
Usually no fasting. Remove metal objects. Inform staff about implants, pacemaker, metal fragments or previous surgeries.
Usually no fasting. Wear comfortable clothing and remove metal objects. Inform staff about implants or previous surgery.
Usually no fasting unless contrast/specific protocol requires it. A comfortably full bladder may be requested depending on the protocol. Remove metal objects.
Fasting 8–12 hours. Water is fine. Avoid food and drinks as instructed by the centre. Follow specific medication instructions.
Usually no fasting unless contrast/specific protocol requires it. Follow instructions regarding bowel/bladder preparation if provided.
Usually no fasting. Remove metal objects around the head/neck.
Usually no fasting. Remove metal objects such as jewellery and spectacles where applicable.
Usually no fasting for plain/non-contrast CT, unless the centre instructs otherwise. Adequate hydration may be advised.
Usually no fasting. Wear comfortable clothing and remove metal objects from the chest area.
Fasting may be required, especially when contrast is planned — fasting 8–12 hours, water is fine. Follow centre instructions regarding water and medications.
Fasting 8–12 hours. Water is fine. Avoid food and beverages except as instructed. A full bladder may sometimes be required.
Fasting 8–12 hours, water is fine, plus a comfortably full bladder. Follow the centre's instructions.
Usually requires a full bladder. Drink water before the scan and avoid urinating until the examination, unless instructed otherwise.
Usually requires a moderately full bladder. Hydration is generally advised. Fasting may be requested by some centres.
Usually no fasting. Wear clothing that allows easy access to the neck. Remove necklaces and chains.
Usually no special preparation. Wear comfortable clothing.
No special preparation. Remove jewellery or metal objects from the chest area. Inform staff if pregnancy is possible.
No fasting. Remove spectacles, earrings, necklaces, removable dentures and other metal objects around the head/neck.
Usually no fasting. Wear comfortable clothing. Take regular medicines unless instructed otherwise.
No fasting. Avoid applying heavy creams or oils to the chest. Wear clothing that allows access to the chest.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing. Avoid heavy meals, smoking and strenuous exercise beforehand. Confirm medication instructions with the doctor or centre.
Usually no fasting required. Take regular medicines unless instructed otherwise.
Usually no fasting required. Inform the laboratory about thyroid medication. Biotin supplements may interfere with some thyroid tests; follow laboratory or doctor instructions about withholding them.
No fasting required. Take regular medicines unless instructed otherwise.
Fasting requirements depend on the test and doctor. If a fasting lipid profile is requested, fasting 8–12 hours, with water allowed.
No fasting required. Inform the laboratory about supplements or medications if relevant.
Preferably provide a clean-catch midstream urine sample, often the first morning sample. Follow the laboratory's collection instructions.
Usually 2-7 days of sexual abstinence before collection, according to laboratory instructions. Avoid lubricants or condoms unless specifically permitted. Collect the complete sample in the provided sterile container.
Usually no fasting. Avoid deodorant, talcum powder, lotion or cream on the breast and underarm area on the day of examination. Inform staff if pregnant or possibly pregnant.
Our Terms & Conditions, section 9 covers test preparation in general: some tests need it, and you should follow the instructions MedQuest gives you. It does not set out the preparation for any particular test — this page and a phone call do that.