If you have an imaging scan scheduled at Dana-Farber, you'll be given an instruction sheet about your scan to help you prepare for your procedure. Please be sure to read the instructions that you receive carefully, because your preparation for an imaging appointment will depend on the type of exam you're having. For many studies, no special preparation is required. For some, however, you may be asked to avoid eating solid foods for several hours before the examination begins.
If you have questions, please call 617-632-4444.
Instruction sheets:
Bone Scan
a test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to look at the bones in your body
Breast Ultrasound
an imaging test that uses sound waves to look inside the breast
CT Scan (instructions for studies that include the abdomen)
You should follow these instructions if you are scheduled for any CT scan that will include parts of your abdomen (or belly), which includes your stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas.
CT Scan (instructions for studies that include the pelvic area)
You should follow these instructions if you are scheduled for any CT scan that will include parts of your pelvis (the lower part of your body, between your hips).
CT Scan (instructions for studies that do not include the abdomen or pelvic area)
You should follow these instructions if you are scheduled for any CT scan that does NOT include your abdomen (stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas) or your pelvis (the lower part of your body, between your hips).
Flow Study
a test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to visualize the blood flow and evaluate the patency of a Port-a-Cath or Hickman catheter
Gallbladder Ultrasound
a test that uses sound waves to create an image of the gallbladder
Lung Scan (V/Q Scan)
a test that uses a small amount of radioactive material or tracer to evaluate the blood flow and airflow to your lungs
Mammogram
a low-dose X-ray exam of the breasts
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
a test that produces pictures of organs, soft tissues, bone, and other internal body structures
MUGA Scan or RVG
a test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to assess the pumping action of the heart
OctreoScan
a test that can help locate primary and metastatic neuroendocrine tumors
PET Scan (brain only)
an imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to create images of the inside of the brain
PET Scan (standard)
an imaging test that uses a small amount of radioactive material (tracer) to create images of the inside of the body