CT ABDOMINAL AND PELVIS SCAN INSTRUCTION SHEET

This entire procedure will require approximately 1-1/2 hours.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENT

1.       This exam requires a written order from your physician.  Please bring your written orders with you the day of your exam.

2.       Nothing to eat or drink for 6 hours prior to your exam.

3.       If you have an appointment after 1:00 pm, you may have a light breakfast.  This meal should be finished by 7:00 am.

4.       Please take any medications that would usually be taken any other day.  Example: heart pills, blood pressure pills and pain pill.  Your routine medications will not interfere with the exam.  Call 308-5700 if you have any questions.

5.       It is important that oral Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Metaglip, Metformine, Advandamet, Fortamet, Actoplus, Glumetza, Riomet and Glucovance be discontinued for 48 hours after the intravenous injection of contrast (x-ray dye).  Please notify the technologist if this applies to you and they will give the proper instructions on when to continue these medications. If you have any questions relating to your diabetes and medication, please contact your physician.

6.       If you are allergic to iodine or x-ray dye, please inform your physician.

7.       This exam involves radiation.  Please let the technologist know if you are pregnant.

PROCEDURE

1.        If you have reported to the Imaging Center to pick up your oral contrast, or the doctor’s office gave you your oral contrast before your appointment date, you should start drinking the oral contrast one hour before your appointment time, and finish it within 30 minutes.  As with any medication, this oral contrast may cause abdominal discomfort and/or mild diarrhea.

2.        If you have not picked up your oral contrast prior to your appointment, you should arrive at the Imaging Center one hour before your appointment. You will be given the oral contrast to drink. Please drink the contrast within 30 minutes and let the technologist know when you are finished. There is a wait of approximately one hour after you finish the contrast to do your exam. This allows the contrast to move through your entire intestinal tract. 

3.        Before the scan begins, an additional 8-ounce cup of oral contrast may be required. 

4.        You may be given an injection of iodine contrast (x-ray dye) during the scan.  If you are allergic to iodine, please let the technologist know.