Special requirements for tests

Special requirements to consider before your examination

X-ray examinations can only be carried out with a doctor’s referral.

X-rays and X-ray procedures using a contrast agent are generally not performed during pregnancy and are only carried out if there is a vital medical indication.

Hypersensitivity to iodine is a contraindication for tests involving an intravenous X-ray contrast agent (such as intravenous urography or CT scans), as the contrast agent used contains iodine.


Preparation for your test

X-ray images
No special preparation is required for X-rays (lungs, bones, etc.). Before the test, depending on the area being examined, clothes, jewellery, etc. may need to be removed under the guidance of a medical professional.


X-ray contrast studies of the gastrointestinal tract
Do not eat, drink or smoke for at least six hours before the test.

During the test, a suspension of barium sulfate is given to drink, along with a gas-forming powder. It is important not to expel the gas from the stomach when burping occurs. X-ray images are then taken.

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Transit bowel study
In the three days preceding the study, a low-gas diet is required, as well as cleansing the intestines with laxatives. Come to the study without eating or drinking.

During the study, 200–300 ml of barium contrast agent is administered. The movement of the contrast medium is monitored, as necessary, by X-rays taken at one-hour intervals until the contrast medium reaches the large intestine.


Barium enema (irrigoscopy)
On the day before the study, take preparations that thin the intestinal contents (laxatives). On the day before the study, drink 1.5–2 litres of fluid. In case of chronic constipation, start bowel preparation already 2–3 days before the study.

On the evening before the study, as well as in the morning of the day of the study, a cleansing enema is performed.

On the day before the study, no solid food should be consumed after lunch.

20 minutes before the study, preparations that relax the intestine are given. Under the control of fluoroscopy, the large intestine is filled with 500 ml of barium sulfate suspension, then the contents are drained and air is introduced. Targeted images of all parts of the large intestine are taken in different positions. The study lasts an average of 15–25 minutes.


Intravenous urography (IVU)
Contraindications: pregnancy, decreased renal function, hypersensitivity to a contrast agent.

The study is carried out for adults and children from the age of 12.

It is necessary to be on a diet for a couple of days before the study. Lean soups and porridges can be eaten. Drink abundantly, about 2 litres per day (preferably water or herbal teas). On the evening before the study, it is necessary to take a laxative (for example, 4 tablets of Bisacodyl, do not chew the tablets!) or use other means for emptying the intestines after lunch (for example, Fortrans or X-Prep according to the instructions for use). If necessary, an enema is performed.

On the morning of the procedure day, do not fast! 2–3 hours before the study, you can drink water, tea, or eat something lighter, for example porridge or prunes. During the diet, avoid foods that cause gas, fatty or difficult-to-digest foods, as well as carbonated drinks and alcohol. In cases of constipation, consume a residue-free liquid diet for 2–3 days.

During the study, a contrast agent is injected into the vein, after which there may be a feeling of warmth in the body. X-rays are performed at short intervals of the kidneys and bladder area. The study lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour.


Ultrasound scans
Studies of the joints, thyroid gland, breast and testicles do not require special preparation.

When you come for an ultrasound scan of the abdominal cavity, you must not have eaten for at least 6 hours. Abundant fluid intake is recommended before the study, including in the days before. In case of constipation or excess intestinal gas, preparations that reduce intestinal gases (charcoal tablets, Espumisan) should be taken on the evening before the study, and also in the morning of the day before the study. If you need to visualise the bladder, you must come to the examination with a full bladder — you can drink juice, water, or tea (without honey or sugar).

Women should attend a pelvic ultrasound scan (abdominal) with a full bladder; an hour before the study, drink up to 1.5 litres of fluid. Before a transvaginal ultrasound scan, empty the bladder.

Men attending a pelvic ultrasound scan (prostate) should empty the bladder unless a bladder assessment is also required. In cases of bladder problems, attend the scan with a full bladder.


Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging studies are contraindicated for people who have a pacemaker, metal particles in the eye, head or elsewhere, because it can be life-threatening. The pacemaker can stagnate in a strong magnetic field, metal foreign objects (including clips, if less than half a year has passed since installation) can move under the influence of a strong magnetic field and damage blood vessels, nerves, etc. Metal prostheses, which have been installed over the past 20 years, are not a contraindication to magnetic examination. It is not recommended to be examined with magnetic resonance imaging in the first trimester of pregnancy.

Jewelry, metal objects (hair holders, etc.), mobile phones, a wallet with magnetic cards should be left in the study room with a space intended for dressing - mobile phones and magnetic cards deteriorate, metal objects “fly” the apparatus under the influence of a very strong magnetic field, as well as metal objects leave additional shadows or artifacts that interfere with the recordings, which reduce the quality of the study.


Computed tomography
A contraindication to CT scans (including a contrast agent study) is pregnancy, as the growing and developing organism is sensitive to X-rays, which may harm the fetus. For a pregnant woman, computed tomography is indicated only in the unavoidable case when the benefit from the study exceeds the possible harm from radiation.

Also a contraindication is intolerance to iodine. The contrast agent used in computed tomography contains iodine, therefore, in the presence of hypersensitivity, a very strong and life-threatening reaction of the organism occurs - the risk of complications. Therefore, hyperthyroidism, treatment with radioactive iodine and renal failure (except for dialysis patients) are also a contraindication

  • Cerebral examination. No special preparation is required, but before entering the study room, it is necessary to remove jewelry (hair rings, hair clips), glasses, as metal objects can leave artifacts that impair the quality of the study.
  • Examination of the sinuses and ears. No special preparation is required. Before entering the study room, it is necessary to take off jewelry (earrings, hairpins).
  • Examination of the thyroid gland, bones and joints. No special preparation is required.
  • Studies of blood vessels (cerebral arteries, carotid arteries, pulmonary arteries, abdominal aorta, renal arteries). No special preparation is required.
  • Study of the lungs. No special preparation is required. Before entering the study room, metal objects, jewelry, items of clothing containing metal threads, buttons (necklaces, a bra with wire for women, outerwear with metal buttons and threads) should be taken away.
  • Upper and middle abdomen, small pelvis. You should arrive half an hour before the time of the examination. You will be given 500ml of water, which must be drunk before the examination to make the gastrointestinal tract more visible.