Computed Tomography (CT) scans are powerful diagnostic tools that provide detailed images of your body’s internal structures. If your healthcare provider has scheduled you for a CT scan, proper preparation is essential to ensure the clearest images and the most accurate results. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps for preprocedure care, helping you feel confident and informed before your appointment.
General Preparation Guidelines for All CT Scans
Regardless of the specific area being scanned or whether contrast material is used, some general guidelines apply to all CT scan preparations. Following these steps will help streamline your appointment and contribute to the quality of the scan.
Firstly, plan to arrive early at the imaging center. Your healthcare provider’s office will inform you of the exact arrival time, but arriving earlier than scheduled allows ample time for check-in, paperwork completion, and any last-minute instructions. This punctuality reduces stress and ensures the procedure stays on schedule.
Secondly, refrain from eating solid foods for at least four hours before your CT scan. This fasting period is primarily recommended to minimize the possibility of nausea, especially if contrast material is to be administered. A relatively empty stomach can also contribute to clearer images in certain abdominal scans.
Thirdly, while fasting from solid foods, it’s important to stay hydrated by drinking only clear liquids in the two hours leading up to your appointment. Clear liquids are easily digestible and won’t interfere with the scan. Good choices include water, clear juices like apple or white grape juice, and tea or black coffee without milk or cream. Avoid sugary drinks and milk-based beverages during this period.
Finally, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment and remove any metal jewelry or clothing items. Metal can interfere with the CT scan imaging, potentially causing artifacts in the images. This includes jewelry, watches, belts with metal buckles, and clothing with metal zippers or snaps. To simplify this, you may be provided with a hospital gown to change into before the scan.
Specific Preparations for CT Scans with Contrast
In some CT scans, a contrast material is used to enhance the visibility of specific tissues, organs, and blood vessels. This contrast agent helps healthcare providers to diagnose a wider range of medical conditions more accurately. If your CT scan requires contrast, there are additional preprocedure care steps to follow.
Contrast material is typically administered intravenously (IV), meaning it’s injected into a vein through an IV line. You might also be asked to drink a special solution, such as a barium swallow, for scans focusing on the digestive system. Both types of contrast agents work to highlight specific areas, improving image clarity. It’s important to know that IV contrast agents are usually eliminated from your body through urination within approximately 24 hours.
If contrast is being used, you might need the following additional preparations:
Blood Test
Your healthcare provider may order a blood test prior to your CT scan with contrast. This is a precautionary measure to assess your kidney function. The contrast material is processed by the kidneys, and this blood test ensures your kidneys are healthy enough to handle the contrast agent safely.
Dietary Restrictions
The dietary restrictions become particularly important when contrast is involved. Continuing the clear liquid diet in the hours before the scan, as mentioned in the general guidelines, becomes even more crucial. Consuming only clear liquids significantly reduces the chance of nausea when the contrast material is administered. Examples of acceptable clear liquids include broth, tea, black coffee, strained fruit juices, plain gelatin, and clear soft drinks like ginger ale.
Allergy Medication
It’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies, especially iodine allergies, as the contrast agent used in CT scans often contains iodine. If you have an iodine allergy, you may still be able to undergo a CT scan with contrast, but you will likely need to take steroid and antihistamine medications as a preprocedure care measure. These medications, taken the night before and the morning of your procedure, help to minimize any potential allergic reaction to the contrast. Always consult with your healthcare provider to determine if you need these medications and to obtain the necessary prescriptions. It is important to note that contrast agents used for MRI scans are different from those used for CT scans, so an allergy to one does not automatically mean you are allergic to the other.
Preparation Solution
For certain types of CT scans, particularly those involving the abdomen and pelvis, you may be given an oral contrast solution to drink. It is vital to drink this solution exactly as directed by your healthcare provider or the imaging center staff. The timing and amount of the solution are carefully calculated to ensure optimal image quality.
What to Expect During the CT Scan Procedure
During the CT scan itself, you will typically lie on your back on a scanning table. If you are receiving IV contrast, a healthcare provider will administer the injection. You might experience a warm, flushed sensation or a metallic taste in your mouth as the contrast is injected; these are common and temporary side effects.
Once the scan begins, the table will slowly move into the doughnut-shaped CT scanner. At this point, it is extremely important to remain as still as possible. Any movement can blur the images and potentially require the scan to be repeated. You may also be asked to hold your breath for short periods, usually lasting less than 15 to 20 seconds. The scanner will then take images of the designated area. Unlike an MRI scan, CT scans are silent procedures. When the scan is complete, the table will move back out of the scanner.
Potential Side Effects of CT Scans
CT scans are generally considered safe procedures, and side effects directly from the scan itself are rare. However, some individuals may experience minor side effects related to the contrast material. These side effects are usually mild and temporary, and can include nausea, a feeling of warmth, or a mild rash. If you experience any concerning symptoms after your CT scan, especially if you received contrast, it is always best to contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
By understanding and diligently following these preprocedure care instructions for your CT scan, you are actively contributing to a successful and informative diagnostic imaging experience. Remember to always communicate any questions or concerns you have with your healthcare provider or the imaging center staff before your appointment.
