Patient guide

Preparing for your exam — what you need to know

01

Which exam?

Make sure you know exactly which type of scan you need so that your booking process goes smoothly.

02

Medical referral

A referral is mandatory for a CT scan (Computed Tomography). It is not required for self-paid private MRI scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

03

Payment options

Depending on the facility, we provide scans under the National Health Fund (NFZ), as self-paid private services, and for private health insurance holders.

04

Documents

Please bring your ID card and previous medical records – especially prior diagnostic imaging descriptions and CD/DVD discs.

MRI

Preparing for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Contrast required? Please fast before the exam: no food for at least 4 hours, no drinks for 2 hours.

  • Bring your ID card and previous test results (CD/DVD discs).
  • Remove all metal objects (jewelry, watch, hearing aid).
  • Inform the medical staff about any implants, pacemakers, or foreign objects in your body.

Important (Implants and metal elements in the body): Certain metal elements can be a strict contraindication for the scan. Please note that we may ask you to provide an official certificate stating there are no contraindications for the MRI examination.

Contrast-enhanced scan: In some cases, we will request a recent blood test result for creatinine levels (the result must not be older than 30 days).

MRI Medical Questionnaire

Fill out before the examination.
If the scan requires contrast — please fill out both forms.

Contrast Scan Consent Form General Questionnaire
CT

Preparing for Computed Tomography

Contrast-enhanced scan: Please fast before the exam: no food for at least 4 hours, no drinks for 2 hours.

  • Bring a recent creatinine test result (valid for 30 days) and a TSH test result.
  • A valid medical referral is strictly required for all CT scans.

CT Medical Questionnaire

Fill out before the examination.
If the scan requires contrast — please fill out both forms.

Contrast Scan Consent Form General Questionnaire
X-RAY/USG

Preparing for Ultrasound and X-Ray Scans
  • Abdominal Ultrasound: Come on an empty stomach; avoid carbonated drinks the day before the scan.
  • Spine X-Ray: May require an easily digestible diet on the day before the examination.
  • Bring your ID card and your medical referral (mandatory for X-Rays).
Diabetes

Additional procedures for patients taking metformin

Patients with eGFR > 30 ml/min/1.73 m² (with no evidence of AKI) receiving intravenous or intra-arterial contrast media with secondary renal exposure:

Clinical recommendation: Metformin medication should be continued as normal.

Patients classified into renal risk groups:

  • Criterion (a): with an eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m² receiving intravenous or intra-arterial contrast media with secondary renal exposure.
  • Criterion (b): receiving intra-arterial contrast media with primary renal exposure.

In the above cases (a and b), an individual consultation with the referring physician is recommended to verify the medication dosage prior to the examination.

(c) Patients with Acute Kidney Injury (AKI):

The absolute clinical procedure requires discontinuation of metformin from the time of contrast media administration. Subsequently, eGFR must be re-evaluated within 48 hours — the medication can only be restarted if renal function has not significantly changed.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Will I feel the contrast agent being administered?
In the case of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the administration of a contrast agent is usually unnoticeable. During a CT scan, you may experience a brief sensation of warmth or a specific taste in your mouth – these are natural reactions that pass on their own. If you have any concerns, it is always best to discuss them with the medical staff right before your scan.
Can the contrast agent harm me?
Modern contrast agents are safe. Patient safety is our top priority, which is why a detailed medical interview is conducted before the examination. It is essential to inform the medical staff about any known drug allergies or past allergic reactions to contrast agents.
I have claustrophobia, can I still have the scan?
Claustrophobia does not exclude the possibility of diagnostic imaging. The key to a comfortable examination is a calm mindset and knowing that you are in constant contact with the staff. Simple relaxation techniques and steady breathing are very helpful and allow you to stay calm while inside the machine.
Am I allowed to drink water?
Staying hydrated is recommended, especially before examinations that require a contrast agent. Drinking a small amount of non-carbonated water is permissible. However, please remember to stop drinking any fluids completely 2 hours before an MRI or CT scan with contrast.
Can I have the scan performed during pregnancy?
Due to X-ray radiation, CT scans are not performed on pregnant women. An MRI is considered safer, but it is only carried out in cases of urgent medical necessity, typically after the first trimester. You must always inform the staff about pregnancy or suspected pregnancy before the examination.
Do I need a creatinine test result?
A creatinine test result is required for a CT scan with contrast to evaluate your kidney function. For an MRI scan, we will request it only in specific medical situations. It is best to prepare a result that is no older than 30 days.
Can I take my medications before the scan?
Regularly taken medications (e.g., for hypertension or heart conditions) should be taken as scheduled with a small amount of water. A crucial exception applies to certain diabetes medications (metformin) during contrast-enhanced examinations – details regarding their temporary discontinuation should be consulted during registration.
How should I dress for an MRI scan?
The best choice is comfortable, loose-fitting clothing made of natural materials (e.g., cotton). It is important that your garments do not have any metal elements, such as zippers, buttons, sequins, or underwires, which could interfere with the magnetic field.

Do you have doubts about the preparation?

Our patient support team will help you go through the qualification process for your examination.

Contact Call Center
+48 604 872 112