What does fasting mean?
Fasting means you must not eat, and sometimes not drink, for a certain period before the examination. How long you need to fast and whether you are allowed to drink water, for example, varies per examination.
Therefore, do not rely on general information about "fasting". Always check the instructions for the specific examination that you are undergoing at Prescan.
Do I need to fast for blood and urine tests?
For Prescan's laboratory examination, you do not need to come to the clinic completely fasted. You may eat a light meal just before the examination.
A light meal includes, for example:
- one slice of bread;
- one cracker;
- one rusk;
- light or sweet toppings.
Do not eat a large or heavy meal just before the laboratory examination. Also, follow any additional instructions you received with your appointment.
Do I need to fast for an MRI scan?
This depends on the body part being examined. For many targeted MRI scans, complete fasting is not necessary. For an MRI scan of the upper abdomen, specific preparation rules apply at Prescan.
For an MRI of the upper abdomen, good preparation is important to image the abdominal organs as clearly as possible. Food, fluids, bowel gas, and movement of the stomach or intestines can affect the quality and evaluation of the images.
Therefore, always follow the instructions specific to your MRI examination.
How long do I need to fast for an MRI of the upper abdomen?
For an MRI scan of the upper abdomen at Prescan, you must not eat or drink from four hours before the scan. According to current information, you may take medications with a small amount of water.
If you have questions about this or find it difficult not to eat or drink for four hours due to your health, please contact us before the day of the examination.
Do I need to fast for a bodyscan?
A bodyscan from Prescan includes various targeted MRI scans, including a scan of the upper abdomen. Therefore, specific rules for eating and drinking may apply.
Follow the preparation instructions in your appointment confirmation or MyPrescan. If in doubt, contact us before your appointment. This way, you ensure that no part of the examination is performed suboptimally.
What if I accidentally ate or drank?
Contact Prescan if you have eaten or drunk when you were supposed to remain fasted according to your preparation instructions. The staff can assess whether the examination can still proceed as scheduled.
Do not conceal this upon arrival. Incorrect preparation can affect the quality of the images or measurements. It is therefore important that the clinic knows what and when you have eaten or drunk.
Personal instructions always prevail
Preparation varies per examination and sometimes also per examination program. Therefore, always check before your appointment:
- the appointment confirmation;
- the instructions in MyPrescan;
- the information about your specific examination.
If the instructions on the website and in your appointment confirmation do not match, follow the personal instructions and contact us if you have any doubts.
Do you have questions about eating and drinking before your examination?
Are you unsure whether you must come fasted or what you may eat, drink, or take? Contact us before your appointment. Please mention which examination or examination program you have booked. We can then provide you with the correct preparation instructions.
