Before you come
How to prepare for your scan
Preparation differs by scan, and getting it wrong usually means coming back another day. If you are unsure which applies to you,call 90364 40533 before you travel. If your own doctor has given you different instructions, follow theirs.
Fasting — whole abdomen scans
Fasting 2 hours prior to the scan, or as indicated by your clinician. Water is allowed.
Full bladder — pelvis & KUB
Drink about one litre of water an hour before, and do not pass urine until after the scan.
These two are opposites and are the most common source of confusion. Check which one your scan needs below.
NT Scan & 1st Trimester Screening
Service detailsBook early — the window is narrow
The scan must be done between 11 weeks 0 days and 13 weeks 6 days. Outside this window the measurement cannot be taken reliably.
A full bladder is not needed
You do not need to drink water beforehand or hold your urine for this scan. Eat and drink normally.
Bring with you
Your LMP date, your antenatal card, any previous scans, and your doctor's referral letter.
Pregnancy & Fetal Scans
Service detailsNo fasting needed
You can eat and drink normally before a pregnancy scan.
After the first trimester
A full bladder is usually not required. Wear loose clothing that allows easy access to the abdomen.
Bring with you
Your antenatal card, previous scans and your doctor's referral. A family member is welcome to accompany you.
General Ultrasound
Service detailsWhole abdomen — fasting as suggested by your clinician
Water is allowed. Avoid fizzy drinks the day before, as gas obscures the image.
Follicular tracking — timing as your clinician advises
It is a series of scans rather than one appointment. Come on the days your clinician indicates.
Pelvis or KUB — full bladder instead
The opposite applies. Drink about one litre of water an hour before and do not pass urine until after the scan.
Colour Doppler
Service detailsUsually no preparation
For limb and carotid doppler studies you can eat and drink normally.
Renal and abdominal doppler
Follow whatever preparation your clinician suggests. Please confirm with us when you book.
Wear loose clothing
The area being examined needs to be accessible, so avoid tight sleeves or trousers.
Digital X-Ray
Service detailsRoutine X-rays — no preparation needed
Eat and drink normally. No appointment is required — walk in during our opening hours. HSG is the only X-ray here that needs preparation; see below.
Remove metal
Take off jewellery, chains and anything metal near the area being imaged.
Tell us if you may be pregnant
Always inform our staff before an X-ray if you are pregnant or think you might be.
HSG — when to come, and what to expect
Preferably done on the 7th to 10th day of your cycle. Most women find it uncomfortable rather than painful. Do not eat for 2 hours before it; water is fine. Call ahead to book, and bring your doctor's referral.
Mammography & Breast Imaging
Service detailsNo talcum powder or deodorant
On the day of your mammogram do not apply talcum powder, deodorant or antiperspirant to your breasts or underarms. They show up on the image and can be mistaken for a real finding.
Wear a two-piece outfit
You will need to undress from the waist up, so a separate top and skirt or trousers is easier than a dress.
Bring any previous breast imaging
Earlier mammograms, ultrasound images and reports let us compare directly and see what has changed. Bring your doctor's referral as well.
Booking a mammogram, biopsy or FNAC
Centre-based appointments are provided. Please visit the centre for an appointment. Bring the scan or mammogram that led to the procedure being advised.
What to bring with you
- Your doctor's prescription or referral letter
- Any previous scans and reports, for comparison
- A photo ID — preferably Aadhaar card, Voter ID or Thayi Card
- Your antenatal card, for pregnancy scans
- Your insurance or scheme card, if applicable
- A family member, if you would like someone with you
Always tell our staff before an X-ray if you are pregnant, or think you might be. X-rays use a small dose of radiation, so we will shield you or suggest an alternative. Ultrasound uses no radiation at all and is safe at every stage of pregnancy.
Still not sure how to prepare?
Call us with the scan your doctor has advised to confirm your appointment. We will tell you exactly what to do and when to come.