CT with Oral Contrast

1. You will pick up two containers of liquid that will be supplied by our office. The containers may be refrigerated until used.  Shake the containers well before drinking.

2. You will drink the first container at 9:00 pm the night before your exam appointment.

3. The next day, you will drink one-half of the other container 2 hours before your scheduled appointment.

4. 1 hour before your scheduled appointment, you will drink the other half of the container.

5. Your last meal before your exam (4 HOURS PRIOR) must be clear liquids only.

YOU MUST BE IN OUR OFFICE 30 MINUTES BEFORE

YOUR SCHEDULED EXAM TIME FOR ONE MORE DRINK.

• YOU MAY EXPERIENCE DIARRHEA FOR A DAY OR TWO FOLLOWING THIS EXAM.

• YOU MAY RECEIVE AN INJECTION OF IV CONTRAST (X-RAY DYE) DURING YOUR EXAM.  

• If you are diabetic, please see the note below for DIABETIC PATIENTS

CT with Intravenous Contrast

• If your CT scan is scheduled for the morning:

1. You may have a normal diet until midnight of the day before your test. 

2. On the day of the test, you should have clear liquids; no solid foods. 

We encourage you to drink clear liquids prior to the test.

• If your CT scan is scheduled for the afternoon or evening:

1. You may have a normal diet until 4 hours prior to your appointment,

2. then you should only have clear liquids until the test is performed. 

We encourage you to drink clear liquids prior to the test.

Diabetic patients:

Then, they should  be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure. Once renal function is found to be normal, medication therapy can be started again.

Your referring physician will be informed of these conditions prior to your study. You should then refer to your physician's instructions for restarting this medication therapy.

* Diabetic Patients on METFORMIN therapy which includes brand names such as:

ACTOplus, AVANDIMET, AVANDAMET, FORTAMET, GLUCOPHAGE,
GLUCOPHAGE XR, GLUCOVANCE, GLUMETZA, METAGLIP, RIOMET
 

General Prep Info

Each type of imaging exam has its' own guidelines. Special instructions for your exam will be given at the time of scheduling. For certain procedures, we will contact you 24-48 hours prior to your exam with preparation-specific instructions.

The following are a few general guidelines that apply to
every imaging exam:

• Notify your physician and our staff if there is any chance that you may be pregnant or are currently breastfeeding.

• Discuss any special needs - such as dietary and/or physical limitations with us in advance.

• Check with us in advance about recovery time or if a driver is needed so you can make necessary arrangements with work and family.

• Wear comfortable, metal-free clothing; be prepared to change into a patient gown if necessary.

• Arrive 20 minutes early to verify your registration information and provide further health information for your exam.

• Bring prior x-rays or scans with you to the exam if you are instructed to do so.