🏥 Men's Health

Preparing for a Medical Scan in Nigeria — Fasting, Contrast & Safety

A practical guide to getting the most from your imaging appointment

Medical imaging — ultrasound, CT, MRI, X-ray, nuclear medicine — provides your doctors with visual information that guides diagnosis and treatment. But the quality of the images (and your safety) depends significantly on how well you prepare for each scan. In Nigeria, where patients often travel long distances to imaging centres and may wait hours for their appointment, poor preparation (wrong fasting, wrong clothing, undeclared implants) can result in a failed scan, repeat visit, or even a safety incident. This guide covers everything you need to do before, during, and after each major type of scan.

Signs and Symptoms

✓ This guide applies to: ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, X-ray, barium studies, nuclear medicine scans

✓ Always bring: your referral letter, previous scan reports and images, a list of all medications, your health insurance card (if applicable), and payment for the scan

✓ Arrive 15–30 minutes early for registration and preparation

Risk Factors

Things to always declare before any scan:
Pregnancy or possibility of pregnancy
Kidney problems (affects contrast dye decisions)
Diabetes — especially metformin use (must be stopped 48 hours before CT with contrast)
Previous allergic reactions to contrast dye
Any implants or metalwork in the body (pacemaker, joint replacement, cochlear implant, intrauterine device, surgical clips)
Claustrophobia (for MRI)
All medications including traditional medicines

When to Seek Help

If you have any doubt about preparation instructionsCall the imaging centre the day before — better to ask than to arrive unprepared and have the scan delayed or cancelled

If you feel unwell on the day of your scanCall ahead — some scans require contrast dye that is unsafe if you have active kidney problems or dehydration

If you feel unwell during or immediately after contrast injectionInform the technologist immediately — contrast reactions usually occur within minutes of injection

Tests & Diagnosis

🧪 Ultrasound preparation summary

Abdominal: fast 4–6 hours, full bladder (drink 1L water, don't urinate). Pelvic (transabdominal): full bladder. Transvaginal: empty bladder. Thyroid/breast/testis: no preparation. Wear loose, comfortable clothing

🧪 CT preparation summary

CT with contrast: fast 4–6 hours, stop metformin 48 hours before, disclose allergies and kidney problems. CT without contrast: no fasting usually required. Abdominal CT: may need oral contrast drink 1–2 hours before. Remove all metallic jewellery

🧪 MRI preparation summary

Remove ALL metallic objects: jewellery, hairpins, piercings, underwire bras, belts, watches. Disclose all implants especially pacemakers, cochlear implants, older orthopaedic implants. No metallic eye make-up. MRI with contrast: kidney function check may be needed. No specific fasting unless contrast or sedation planned

🧪 X-ray preparation summary

No fasting required for most X-rays. Remove jewellery and clothing with metallic fasteners from the area being scanned. Wear loose clothing. Inform radiographer of pregnancy

🧪 Barium studies (barium swallow, meal, enema)

Barium swallow: fast from midnight. Barium enema: bowel preparation (laxative) night before and morning of scan. No solid food from midnight. Water allowed

🧪 Nuclear medicine scans (bone scan, thyroid scan)

Specific preparation instructions given with the referral. Bone scan: no fasting usually but drink plenty of fluid on scan day. Thyroid scan: stop thyroid medication for several weeks before (instructions given). May involve staying at the department for several hours after the radioisotope injection

Treatment Options

After a scan with contrast dye

Drink at least 2 litres of water over the next 4–6 hours to help kidneys clear the contrast. Diabetics: restart metformin 48 hours after contrast if kidney function confirmed normal by blood test

After MRI with sedation

Do not drive for 24 hours. Have an adult accompany you home. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours

Getting your results

Results become available at a pace that depends on urgency — emergency scans are prioritised over routine scans. The report is written by a doctor. Your referring doctor interprets the report — don't be alarmed by medical terminology without explanation from your doctor

Bringing previous scans

Always bring previous imaging to the department — comparison with old scans is invaluable and reduces the chance of repeat scans

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take my blood pressure tablet on the day of my scan?

Yes — for most scans, take all regular medications with a small sip of water as usual. The exception is metformin (for diabetes) before CT with contrast — stop this 48 hours before and restart 48 hours after. If you take blood thinners (warfarin) and a biopsy is planned during the scan, discuss with your doctor. Always ask the imaging centre when you book.

What if I am claustrophobic for MRI?

Tell the imaging centre when you book — they can arrange oral sedation (diazepam 5mg taken 30 minutes before) or, for children and severely claustrophobic adults, general anaesthesia. Open MRI machines (available at some centres) are less enclosed. Alternatively, ask to see the machine before the scan to reduce anxiety.

I can't afford the scan — what are my options?

Public sector options: government hospital imaging departments are substantially cheaper than private centres (CT at a government hospital may be ₦30,000 vs ₦100,000+ privately). NHIA and HMO insurance plans cover some imaging — check your plan. Some conditions (TB, HIV-related) have programme-funded investigations. Ask about payment plans for expensive scans.

The scan was inconclusive — what happens next?

Some conditions require multiple imaging modalities or follow-up scans to reach a definitive diagnosis. This is normal and not a failure of the system. Your doctor will discuss next steps — which might include a different type of scan, biopsy, or a period of clinical observation with a repeat scan.