How do I prepare for a CT scan?

How you prepare

1. Take off some or all of your clothing and wear a hospital gown.
2. Remove metal objects, such as a belt, jewelry, dentures and eyeglasses, which might interfere with image results.
3. Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before your scan.

Can you eat or drink before a CT scan?

Before Arriving for Your Exam If your exam includes an IV injection of a contrast dye, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for three hours before your exam. You can drink clear liquids, unless you are on restricted fluids.

Why do you have to drink water before a CT scan?

Preparing for a CT scan The water hydrates you prior to having contrast media for the CT. In the waiting area you will be asked to drink another 500ml of water which outlines the stomach and bowel clearly on the scans. The water also helps fill your bladder so that it shows on the scan.

What is the drink they give you before a CT scan?

When to arrive: If you are having a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis, you need to arrive two hours before your scheduled appointment. This is to allow time for you to drink barium sulfate before your exam and to ensure that the barium fluid completely coats your gastrointestinal tract.

Can you drive home after a CT scan with contrast?

You shouldn’t experience any after-effects from a CT scan and can usually go home soon afterwards. You can eat and drink, go to work and drive as normal. If a contrast was used, you may be advised to wait in the hospital for up to an hour to make sure you don’t have a reaction to it.

Can you pee before a CT scan?

For a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis you might need: a full bladder before your scan – so you might need to drink 1 litre of water beforehand. to drink a liquid contrast – this dye highlights your urinary system on the screen. to stop eating or drinking for some time before the scan.

What happens if you eat before a CT scan with contrast?

Why am I not allowed to eat before the CT exam with contrast? If you have food on your stomach, and get an injection of contrast, you could become nauseated. Aside from your discomfort, there is the danger of throwing up while lying down, which could cause the vomit to enter your lungs.

How will I feel after a CT scan?

There will be no side effects after your CT scan. You can resume all normal activities. You may be asked to drink plenty of water for the 24 hours post exam if you have been given IV contrast dye. This will help your kidneys filter out the contrast material from your body.

Do I have to undress for a CT scan?

In most places, the patient will need to undress, usually down to their underwear, and put on a gown that the health center will provide. Avoid wearing jewelry. If the hospital does not provide a gown, the patient should wear loose-fitting clothes free of metal buttons and zippers.

Can you wear jeans in a CT scan?

Elastic waist pants without zippers or snaps are another example of the preferred attire for a CT scan. If you arrive wearing clothing that has metal fastners, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. It is best to leave all jewelry at home because you will be required to remove it before the procedure.

Can you drive home from a CT scan?

What do you do after a CT scan?

After the Abdominal CT Scan If contrast dye was used, you are encouraged to drink clear fluids to avoid dehydration and help flush the dye out of your system. If you underwent CT portography, the catheter is removed and a pressure dressing is applied to the puncture site. You are free to resume your normal diet and activities.

How should I prepare for a CT scan?

In general, no special preparation is required for a CT scan. Comfortable, loose clothing should be worn, although in some cases a patient will be asked to change into a hospital gown for the examination. It is also important to remove any metal prior to the exam: jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses,…

What should you drink before a CT scan?

Please do not eat solid foods for four hours prior to your computerized tomography (CT) appointment. You may drink clear liquids (black coffee/tea, broth, water, or juice) prior to your CT scan.

Why fast before CT scan?

The reason we ask that you fast for a PET/CT scan is because the injection given for this procedure (called “FDG”) is based on glucose (sugar). If a patient eats before the procedure, the glucose (sugar) level in the blood may be elevated and will interfere with the uptake of the radiotracer.