Interactive checklist

Imaging prep checklist

A well-prepared patient gets a better scan: no repeat exposures for a forgotten necklace, no cancelled MRI over an undeclared implant, no blurry gallbladder after breakfast. Pick your exam and tick off the steps; progress is saved on this device.

Which exam are you preparing for?

X-rayCT scanMRI scanUltrasound

X-ray preparation

The simplest exam to prepare for. Most X-rays need no special preparation at all.

Your own appointment letter and your clinic's instructions always override this general list. When they differ, follow the clinic.

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Before you leave home

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Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal zips, studs or underwiresMetal shows up on the image and can hide the area being examined.
Leave jewellery and piercings at home where possibleAnything metallic near the examined area will need to come off.
Bring your referral letter and any previous images or reportsComparing with old images is often half the diagnosis.

Tell the team

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Tell the radiographer if you are pregnant or might be pregnantDo not skip this oneThe exam may be postponed, adapted or shielded. This is the single most important item.
Mention previous surgery or implants near the area being imaged

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Sources

MRI scan: how it is performed NHS, 2022
CT scan: how it is performed NHS, 2023
Ultrasound scan: how it is performed NHS, 2023
How to prepare for your exam RadiologyInfo.org (ACR / RSNA), 2024Generic steps only; exact fasting hours and protocols vary by clinic, so this tool never states them.

Last reviewed: 2026-07-16