Printer Friendly Version

OUTPATIENT C.T. SCAN PREP

When you need a CT Scan performed follow the directions below

1. Your physician’s office will call the Imaging Services Department to schedule the exam(s).
2. Your physician or nurse will instruct you on any additional preparations necessary for this test.
3. Your physician will give you a signed order for this test. You must bring the physician's order sheet with you. You will need it to register as an outpatient at the hospital. Without this order sheet the test cannot be completed and you will be required to reschedule your exam.
4. Arrive at the hospital Information Desk at least 20 minutes before your test to allow plenty of time for the Outpatient registration process.
5. The actual procedure time takes between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the exact test performed.
6. When the scan is finished, the images will be reviewed for quality. If more images are needed, they’ll usually be taken right away.
7. If you were sedated, you may be asked to stay awhile to recover.

NOTE: Please be aware that most C.T. Scans require an injection of various types of medication. The medication prescribed by the Radiologist will depend on the type of C.T. Scan ordered by your physician. Most tests require an iodine contrast injection prior to the exam.

Persons at Risk for Reactions
Be sure to tell your physician if:

• you have a history of previous reactions to contrast medium.
• if you feel claustrophobic in small spaces.
• you have asthma.
• you have diabetes.
• you have an allergic disorder .
• you are allergic to any medications, particularly Iodine, Prednisone or Barium Sulfate.

NOTE: If you are unable to remain completely still or if you are nervous during your C.T. Scan you may require medication to help calm you. Please discuss this with your physician. He/She may choose to order an intravenous or local injection before the exam.

C.T. Abdomen w/wo Contrast Prep
The prep for C.T. Abdomen is 800 ml of E-Z Cat Barium Sulfate one hour prior to the scan.

1. You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) for three (3) hours prior to the C.T. Scan.
2. If you are in any of the "Risk for Reaction" categories listed above, you may also need to take a Prednisone Preparation - prescribed by your physician.
3. If you are over the age of 50 you will need a BUN/CREATININE (a laboratory test that measures kidney function) from the Laboratory before the C.T. Scan. Your physician will give you an order for this test.

C.T. Pelvis w/wo Contrast Prep
The prep for C.T. Pelvis is 800 ml of E-Z Cat Barium Sulfate one hour and a half prior to the scan.

1. You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) for three (3) hours prior to the C.T. Scan.
2. If you are in any of the "Risk for Reaction" categories listed above, you may also need to take a Prednisone Preparation - prescribed by your physician.
3. If you are over the age of 50 you will need a BUN/CREATININE (a laboratory test that measures kidney function) from the Laboratory before the C.T. Scan. Your physician will give you an order for this test.

C.T. Chest w/ Contrast Prep
The prep for C.T. of the chest is as follows:

1. You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) for three (3) hours prior to the C.T. Scan.
2. If you are in any of the "Risk for Reaction" categories listed above, you may also need to take a Prednisone Preparation - prescribed by your physician.
3. If you are over the age of 50 you will need a BUN/CREATININE (a laboratory test that measures kidney function) from the Laboratory before the C.T. Scan. Your physician will give you an order for this test.

C.T. Head w/wo Contrast Prep
The prep for a C.T. is a follows:

1. You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) for three (3) hours prior to the C.T. Scan.
2. If you are in any of the "Risk for Reaction" categories listed above, you may also need to take a Prednisone Preparation - prescribed by your physician.
3. If you are over the age of 50 you will need a BUN/CREATININE (a laboratory test that measures kidney function) from the Laboratory before the C.T. Scan. Your physician will give you an order for this test.

The following C.T. tests require no special preparation before the scan

• Cervical Spine
• Thoracic Spine
• Lumbar Spine
• Sinus
• Extremities (Legs, Arms)

Appointment Changes and Test Results

1. If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment call the Imaging Services Department receptionist at 587-1231. Please call at least 24 hours in advance.
2. After the film is developed and read by our Radiologist, a copy of the results are sent or called to your physician. Only your physician can give you the results of your C.T. Scan.
3. The Radiologist bills separately for his services. You will receive two bills for the procedure - one from the hospital and one from the radiologist for reading the films.

Childcare

If you have young children, make arrangements for a baby-sitter or childcare before your exam date. Children are not allowed in the examination room and may not be left in the hospital lobby unattended.

For more information on medical tests click on the icon below.

Last Modified: March 22, 2009 9:00 PM