How to prepare for your appointment
See below our list of services and how to prepare
On this page
Preparing for a medical imaging study can be stressful. At Advicon Imaging, we aim to make this process as clear and straightforward as possible by providing detailed preparation instructions for each examination. Feel free to contact our friendly team member to answer your questions.
Please find your study below for standard preparation instructions:
CT Preparations
- Some scans require fasting for several hours.
- You may be asked to drink water or oral contrast.
- Remove metal objects such as jewellery or belts.
Our staff will advise you of your specific preparation when booking.
MRI Preparations
Most MRI scans require little preparation, but safety screening is essential due to the strong magnetic field. Our staff will walk you through a detailed checklist prior to your study.
General preparation guidelines:
- Remove all metal (keys, jewellery, credit cards, hairpins, piercings)
- Avoid makeup and hairspray (may contain metallic particles)
- Wear loose clothing without metal zips or bring a change of clothes
- Bring any previous Xray, CT, ultrasound, or MRI studies
- Notify staff if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Some scans require fasting (you will be advised if needed)
Utrasound Preparations
Clear and correct preparation helps ensure that your ultrasound scan is accurate and provides the best possible diagnostic information. Different ultrasound studies require different preparation instructions. Please review the guidelines below or follow the instructions provided at the time of your booking.
All Medicare‑eligible ultrasound studies are fully bulk‑billed at Advicon Imaging.
General Preparation Notes
- Take regular medications unless instructed otherwise.
- Inform us if you are pregnant.
- If you have diabetes, please discuss fasting requirements with our team.
- Arrive 5 minutes early to allow for check‑in.
If you are unsure about your preparation, our reception team will be happy to clarify instructions.
Advicon Imaging – Quality care, clear results, fully bulk‑billed ultrasound (where eligible).
Abdomen Ultrasound
Preparation:
- Fast for 6 hours before the scan.
- No food, milk, or chewing gum.
- You may sip small amounts of water if needed.
Purpose:
- Fasting reduces bowel gas and improves visualisation of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and abdominal organs.
Pelvis Ultrasound (Female and Male)
Preparation:
- Arrive with a full bladder.
- Drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before the appointment.
- Do not empty your bladder until after the scan.
Purpose:
- A full bladder helps push the bowel aside for clearer pelvic imaging.
Renal / Kidney Ultrasound
Preparation:
- Drink water to fill your bladder.
- Avoid urinating for 1 hour before your scan.
- No fasting required unless combined with abdominal study.
Purpose:
- A full bladder allows assessment of bladder function and urinary outflow.
Pregnancy Ultrasound
Early Pregnancy (Dating / Viability):
- Full bladder required – drink 1 litre of water 1 hour before.
Second & Third Trimester:
- No bladder preparation required.
- Wear loose clothing for easy access to your abdomen.
Morphology Scan (18–20 weeks):
- No special preparation required.
Transvaginal Pelvic Ultrasound
Preparation:
- Empty your bladder before the scan.
Notes:
- This scan may be offered for higher‑detail imaging of the uterus and ovaries; it is optional and always performed with patient consent.
Thyroid / Neck Ultrasound
Preparation:
- No preparation required.
- Wear a top that allows access to the neck area.
Breast Ultrasound
Preparation:
- No preparation required.
- Avoid applying creams or powders to the chest on the day of the scan.
Testicular / Scrotal Ultrasound
Preparation:
- No preparation required.
- Wear comfortable clothing.
Musculoskeletal (MSK) Ultrasound
Preparation:
- No specific preparation required.
- Wear clothing that allows easy access to the area being scanned.
Paediatric Ultrasound
Preparation varies depending on the scan:
- Abdomen: infants may need a shorter fasting period (our team will advise).
- Renal/Pelvis: older children may need a full bladder.
- Hips/Soft Tissue/Neck: no preparation required.
Parents and carers may stay with the child at all times.
Vascular Ultrasound (Doppler Studies)
Carotid Doppler:
- No preparation required.
Leg Arteries or Veins:
- No preparation required.
- Wear loose trousers or shorts if possible.
Aortic Aneurysm Screening:
- Fast for 6 hours prior.
Purpose:
- Fasting reduces bowel gas to improve view of the abdominal aorta.
X-Ray Preparations
Most X‑rays and other exams require no preparation.
General guidelines:
- Remove jewellery, metal objects, or clothing with metal fasteners
- Inform staff if you could be pregnant
- Bring previous X‑rays or imaging studies for comparison
Contrast X‑rays (rare) may require additional preparation. Staff will advise you if needed.
Mammogram Preparations
- Avoid deodorant, talcum powder, lotion, or perfume on the day of your scan
- Wear a twopiece outfit
- Bring previous mammograms or breast ultrasounds
- If you have implants, inform staff at the time of booking
- If your breasts are tender before your period, schedule the scan one week after menstruation (if possible)
- Fast if you are required at the time of making an appointment