| CT Scan What is the procedure?
Highly detailed cross sectional images of the body are obtained
using a thinly collimated x-ray beam.
The day before the exam:
Have nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before the exam. Diabetics
should only fast for 2 hours. You may continue taking medication
up until the exam. No preparation is necessary for studies
of the spine, sinuses or dentascans.
The day of the exam:
If there are CT scans or x-rays taken elsewhere that need to
be compared, please bring them with you. CT scans of the
abdomen and
pelvis usually require oral contrast, which is a flavored
drink that produces clearer pictures. Please allow 1 1⁄/2
hours for the contrast to pass through the bowel. Some CT scans
require
intravenous contrast which is a nonionic iodinated solution
that is injected in the arm.
Please inform our staff if you are pregnant or suspect that you
may be pregnant, if you have had a previous reaction to X-ray contrast
or if you have any of the following:
- severe allergies or
asthma
- severe incapacitation or heart disease
- multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, polycythemia
or pheochromocytoma
- kidney disease, particularly caused by diabetes.
During the exam:
During the test you lie on a table and hold your breath for
approximately twenty seconds. If intravenous contrast is required
it will be
given at this time. After a few minutes, when it is determined
that the images are satisfactory, the exam is finished.
After the
exam:
If you are a diabetic
taking Glucophage, Glucovance, Metaglip or Avandamet you will
be required to discontinue use of this prescription for 48 hours
after the exam. You should check with your doctor before discontinuing
or restarting your medication.
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