Preparing for your examination
Briefly and in one place: what to bring, when to come fasting and what must be mentioned in advance. If anything is unclear, ask when you book — better then than on the day.
What to bring to any appointment
- Your identity document.
- Earlier medical records and reports — including ones several years old.
- Earlier images, if you have them. For a radiologist, comparison with a previous image often matters more than the new one alone.
- A list of the medicines you take, with doses. A photograph of the boxes is quite enough.
- Details of any allergies — particularly to medicines and contrast agents.
What we must be told in advance
These are not formalities but things that change the plan for the examination, and sometimes the decision whether to do it at all:
- Pregnancy or possible pregnancy — before any examination using radiation: X-ray, CT, mammography.
- A pacemaker, metal implants, vascular clips, an insulin pump or a hearing implant — before an MRI. Some devices are not compatible with the magnetic field; the check is made before the appointment, not on the day.
- Kidney impairment and any earlier reaction to contrast — before an examination with a contrast agent.
- Claustrophobia — before an MRI. The scan is then planned differently.
- Blood-thinning treatment — before any procedure at the Dental centre.
Fasting or not
- Laboratory tests. Blood is normally taken fasting, in the morning, after 8 to 12 hours without food. Water is allowed. Do not stop regular medication on your own initiative — ask your doctor.
- Abdominal ultrasound. No food for 6 to 8 hours before the appointment — gas and bowel contents block the view of the organs.
- Pelvic ultrasound. A full bladder is often required: about a litre of water an hour beforehand, and do not empty your bladder until the examination.
- CT with contrast. No food for a few hours beforehand; we tell you about this when you book.
- MRI, mammography, X-ray, thyroid and breast examinations, Doppler studies. Generally no preparation is needed.
The things most often overlooked
- Do not come to a mammogram wearing deodorant, powder or cream on the breasts or underarms — particles on the skin can look like microcalcifications on the image.
- If you still have periods, a mammogram is more comfortable in the first half of the cycle, roughly days 5 to 12.
- Bank cards and anything with a magnetic stripe stay outside the MRI room — the magnetic field erases them.
- For X-ray and MRI, wear something without metal parts in the area being imaged; it shortens the changing time.
- Children are brought by a parent or guardian; bring the child’s earlier records too.
After the examination
Radiology reports are normally ready within 24 hours, sometimes sooner. The report of an ultrasound examination is given to you immediately, with the doctor’s explanation.
Images can be issued digitally in DICOM format — any doctor or hospital can open them. On request the report is issued in English or German.
If you are not sure where to take the result next, work through the symptom guide or call the clinic and the administrator will direct you.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
Can I drink water if I am fasting?
Should I stop my medication before a blood test?
How early should I arrive?
Can I get the report in English?
Book an appointment
Booking is direct, no referral needed. Call whichever clinic is closest to you, or leave a request on the contact page.