Patient information
Preparing for a procedure
Preparation depends on the procedure, on your other medical conditions and on the medicines you take. You will be given specific instructions; what follows is only what is generally involved.
Tests before the procedure
Blood tests are usually needed, commonly clotting, haemoglobin, kidney function and sugar. Kidney function matters because contrast dye is used in many procedures.
Medicines
Blood thinners, antiplatelets, diabetes medication and some blood pressure medicines may need to be adjusted, stopped or continued deliberately. Never stop a prescribed medicine on your own — ask first.
Fasting
For most procedures you are asked not to eat for a set number of hours beforehand. Sips of water with essential tablets are often allowed, but follow the instruction you are given.
On the day
Come with your reports and images, wear something loose, and leave jewellery at home. If sedation or anaesthesia is planned, arrange for someone to travel home with you.
Tell the team about
Some things change how a procedure is planned.
- Any allergy, especially to contrast dye or iodine
- Kidney disease or dialysis
- Pregnancy or the possibility of pregnancy
- Previous reaction to anaesthesia or sedation
- Bleeding problems, or any blood thinner you take