What blood work is needed for CT scan with contrast?
If you have a history of kidney problems or diabetes, blood tests (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen) will be done before the CT scan to check that your kidneys are functioning properly.
The intravenous contrast material used during a CT scan can cause kidney damage in people with poor kidney function..
What does computed tomography use?
A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body.
It shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs and blood vessels.
CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays..
What fluids are used for CT?
You may drink fluids such as water, juice, or black decaffeinated coffee or tea.
Some CT scan exams, particularly abdominal CT scans, may require that you drink water or an oral contrast so we may better visualize structures within the abdominal area.
Please continue to take all of your prescribed medications..
What is CT scan with contrast?
CT scans may be done with or without "contrast." Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or injected into an intravenous (IV) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly.
Contrast examinations may require you to fast for a certain period of time before the procedure..
What is the clear liquid given before a CT scan?
You may have clear liquids up to two hours before the examination.
Clear liquids include water, black coffee or tea, apple juice, clear soda, or clear broth.
You may take your medication at your normal time with water.
Follow any other special instructions from your caregiver..
What is the liquid on a CT scan?
Depending on the reason why you're getting a CT scan, you may need to drink a large glass of oral contrast.
This is a liquid that contains either barium or a substance called Gastrografin (diatrizoate meglumine and diatrizoate sodium liquid)..
What is the liquid 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..
Why do you have to drink a liquid before a CT scan?
Preparing for Your Exam
You may drink fluids such as water, juice, or black decaffeinated coffee or tea.
Some CT scan exams, particularly abdominal CT scans, may require that you drink water or an oral contrast so we may better visualize structures within the abdominal area..
- Do not eat for 2.5 hours prior to the examination.
You may have clear liquids up to two hours before the examination.
Clear liquids include water, black coffee or tea, apple juice, clear soda, or clear broth.
You may take your medication at your normal time with water. - For some CT scans you may need to have an injection of a special dye called intravenous contrast.
This helps to show up parts of the body not always clearly seen, like blood vessels, the kidneys and liver.
