Discover Top-Rated Care at Carl T. Hayden VA Medical Center in Phoenix!

We proudly offer top-notch radiology and imaging services tailored to identify and manage numerous medical conditions. Here’s a glimpse of what we provide:

• X-ray (including diagnostic x-rays, barium studies, urologic exams, arthrograms, and pain injections)
• Ultrasound
• Breast Imaging (mammograms, breast ultrasounds, breast MRIs)
• Computed Tomography (CT)
• Nuclear Medicine/Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Preparing for Your Imaging Exams

– CT Imaging –

To ensure the best results from your CT examination, it’s crucial to arrive prepared. Please refrain from eating anything for 4 hours beforehand. You can enjoy clear liquids like water or apple juice and continue taking your medications with these liquids. In some cases, you may need to drink oral contrast—if provided, please consume it 2 hours before your appointment. If you haven’t received the contrast beforehand, arrive at our Radiology department 2 hours early.

For CT Exams of the Head/Neck/Chest with Contrast: No food or drink for 4 hours prior. If you have allergies to contrast, consult your physician for necessary pre-medications.

CT Exams of the Pelvis – With or Without Contrast: No eating or drinking for 4 hours. Drink the first bottle of contrast 2 hours prior and the second 60 minutes before the exam. If you are diabetic and require IV contrast, follow your provider’s instructions closely.

CT Exams of the Abdomen and Abdomen/Pelvis: Similar to pelvic preparations—nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours, and consume the contrast as directed. Diabetic patients should refer to previous guidelines for IV contrast exams.

For CT Without Contrast: No preparation required!

– Fluoroscopy –

Upper GI or Esophagram: Expect to spend about an hour for this exam. Please refrain from eating or drinking after midnight, or at least 6 hours beforehand.

Small Bowel Series: Allow 2-4 hours for this procedure. Similar fasting requirements apply—no food or drink after midnight.

Barium or Air Contrast Enema: Plan for around 2 hours. Follow the instructions included with your barium prep kit.

Pain/Steroid/Stem Injections: No prep necessary.

Mammography: If your last mammogram wasn’t at our facility, please bring a copy of your most recent imaging studies for accurate comparisons. On the day of your appointment, avoid deodorants, perfumes, powders, or ointments on your chest or underarms. Most women find the necessary compression during the exam acceptable, but we recommend scheduling your visit during the first 10 days of your menstrual cycle if you’re sensitive. Your results will be shared with your clinician, who will communicate the findings with you.

IMPORTANT: Federal law mandates that you receive a letter with your mammography results within 30 days. Please note that children are not allowed in our exam rooms; kindly make arrangements for their care prior to your appointment.

MRI Examinations: If you have any metallic implants, pacemakers, or other devices, please notify us before your MRI appointment. Certain items can interfere with the MRI or pose risks. Call us ahead of time with details about any devices you have.

Claustrophobia Management: If you experience claustrophobia, ask your physician about anti-anxiety medications to take before your MRI. For safety, a designated driver will be required if you take these medications.

Cardiac MRI: No coffee, caffeine, tea, or chocolate for 24 hours before your exam.

MRI Enterography: Arrive 1 hour early for your appointment to receive oral contrast, and avoid all food and drink for 4 hours prior, except water.

MRCP: No food or drink for 6 hours prior to this exam—water only.

MRI Abdomen or Pelvis (non-musculoskeletal): Try not to eat or drink for 4 hours before to assist in clear imaging.

MRI Breast: Schedule your breast MRI within 7-10 days of your menstrual cycle for optimal results, unless urgent.

Whole Body Bone Scan: Set aside 3-5 hours for this procedure. It starts with a 15-minute radioactive tracer injection, followed by a wait of about 3-4 hours for circulation. You can eat and drink during this time, but imaging will take around an hour upon your return.

Nuclear Stress Test: This is a same-day, 3-part procedure requiring 3-4 hours. Avoid eating or drinking for 6 hours prior and caffeine for 12 hours. If your BMI is 40 or greater, this test will happen over two days.

DXA – Bone Densitometry Study: Expect this imaging study to take about 30 minutes, with no food or drink restrictions.

– Ultrasound –

Renal or Kidney Ultrasound: No prep is necessary unless specified.

Female Pelvis (GYN only): Drink 32 oz. of water and finish it 1 hour before arriving—do not empty your bladder. A full bladder is crucial for accurate imaging.

Male or Female Bladder Evaluation: Similar to female pelvis, drink 24 oz. of water, and again, do not empty your bladder before the exam.

Upper Abdomen, General Survey Ultrasound: Please refrain from eating or drinking 5 hours before your appointment. Small sips of water for medications are allowed, but no candy, chewing gum, or smoking.

Renal Transplant, Thyroid, and Vascular Ultrasound Studies: No preparation required!