Patient Resources

Procedure and Preparation Instructions and Brochures

Non-Invasive Cardiology Services Brochures and Study Information

Cardiac PET Stress Test Patient Brochure

Carotid Doppler Study

Echocardiogram

Holter Monitor

Lower Extremity Arterial Study

Lower Extremity Venous Doppler Study

Nuclear Stress Test Brochure

Treadmill Exercise Testing

Radiology Procedures and Brochures

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Preparing for your CT Scan

CT Frequently Asked Questions

Will the CT exam hurt? CT is a painless, non-invasive test that will not hurt. Your exam may require that a contrast agent be given intravenously to make your blood vessels and tissues more visible. You will then be asked to lie still once the technologist has positioned you appropriately on the table.

How long will the exam take? The length of your CT exam depends on which particular study or studies, your doctor has ordered. Most exams are quick and painless, lasting just a few minutes. You may be asked to arrive at the facility 15 or 30 minutes prior to your scheduled exam time.

What is a contrast agent? A contrast agent is a liquid substance that makes certain tissues stand out more clearly against their surroundings, enabling the finest detail to show up on X-ray, improving diagnostic quality. You may be given the contrast agent intravenously or orally. In all cases the contrast agent will leave your body naturally within a few hours. If your exam does require a contrast agent, be sure to tell the technologist if you have any allergies especially to iodine or shellfish.

Will I be alone during the exam? During your CT exam you will be in contact with a technologist. Even when he or she is outside the CT room, you will be able to communicate via intercom and be seen through a window.

MRI Scan

Ultrasound Preparations

3-D Mammogram Procedure Information

Mammograms – Medical Clinic of Houston is proud to be using advanced 3-D mammography imaging equipment by Hologic.

3-D mammography is an advanced form of mammography, a specific type of breast imaging that uses low-dose x-rays to detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Also called Breast tomosynthesis, three-dimensional (3-D) mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), is an advanced form of breast imaging, or mammography, that uses a low-dose x-ray system and computer reconstructions to create three-dimensional images of the breasts. Breast tomosynthesis aids in the early detection and diagnosis of breast disease, especially in those with dense breast tissue.

The American Cancer Society recommends that women get a physical breast examination by their doctor or health professional every three years age 20-40 and a mammography every year beginning at age 40. You should see your doctor without delay if you experience any unusual symptoms at any time. Most breast lumps are not cancer, but only your doctor can determine this. We want you to be aware, informed, and to take control of your breast health. The best way to cure cancer is to detect it early using all three steps – Breast self-exam, Mammography, and physician breast exam.

Tell your doctor about any breast symptoms or problems, prior surgeries, hormone use, whether you have a family or personal history of breast cancer, and if there’s a possibility you are pregnant. If possible, obtain copies of your prior mammograms and make them available to your radiologist on the day of your exam. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown. Don’t wear deodorant, talcum powder or lotion under your arms or on your breasts as these may appear on the mammogram and interfere with correct diagnosis.

Gastroenterology Procedure Forms