Preparations Required For CT Scans
CT – (Brain, Orbits, Sinuses, Chest, Soft Tissue Neck)
Patient can have a light meal on the day of examination and 2hrs prior to your CT scan you must have only clear fluids.
CT – Urogram
The patient should not eat or drink for a minimum of 3 hours prior to the examination and must drink 16 ounces of water 1 hour prior to the examination ( IV contrast only ).
CT – Abdomen only
If your doctor has ordered a CT scan without contrast, you can eat, drink and take your prescribed medications prior to your exam and If your doctor has ordered a CT scan with contrast, don’t eat anything three hours prior to your CT scan while you can drink clear liquids.
CT Abdomen and Pelvis (or) CT of the Pelvis only
The patient must not eat or drink anything for three (3) hours prior to your scheduled CT scan time.
Start drinking the 1st bottle of barium 2 hours before your scheduled exam time and complete the bottle within ½ hour.
Start drinking 2nd bottle of barium solution slowly over the 1 ½ hours prior to your scheduled exam time.
CT of the Pelvis Only to R/O Appendicitis
You must not eat or drink anything for 3 hours prior to your scheduled CT scan time (Have patient arrive early for gastrografin drink).
CTA (CT Angiography) of the ABD, Pelvis, or ABD and Pelvis.
You can have a light meal on the day of your CT scan. 2 hours prior to your exam, you can have clear liquids (no milk) only.
CT Spine, Extremities, Musculoskeletal.
Preparation is not required.
CT Colonography
Use Fleet Enema Kit #3 from your local drug store. Follow the 24-hour prep Instructions.
CT Coronary Calcium Score
You can have a light meal on the day of your CT scan. 2 hours prior to your exam, you may have clear liquids (no milk) only.