Patient preparation for CT varies depending on the area of interest. If you are having CT of the abdomen, pelvis, chest or head, you should not eat for four (4) hours prior to your appointment, but keep well hydrated by drinking fluids. If you are having CT of the lumbar spine or sinuses, no preparation is required. When you make your appointment, our staff will advise you if you need to fast beforehand. For abdominal and pelvic CT, you may be required to drink water or oral contrast, which highlights the bowel, one (1) hour before your scan. Our booking staff will incorporate this into your appointment time, if needed.
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CT scan. You may be asked to change into a gown before your scan. Metal objects, such as jewellery, piercings, eyeglasses, dentures, hearing aids or hairpins, may affect the CT images, so you will be asked to remove such items if possible. Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire. If you have a pacemaker, please advise a staff member before your scan.
If you are pregnant or think that you might be pregnant, you should advise your referring doctor, as well as the CT radiographer, before your scan. In most cases x-rays should be avoided during pregnancy, but your doctor will weigh-up the risks and benefits.
Approximately 70% of patients having a CT scan need an injection of contrast media (or dye), usually through an arm vein. Because the contrast media is opaque on x-ray it shows the blood flow in organs and soft tissues, and can provide further information about the problem area. However, some people might be allergic to the contrast media.
Please advise our staff before your CT if you:
- Have asthma
- Have impaired or reduced renal function
- Have had a previous allergic reaction to contrast media
- Are taking medication for Type 2 Diabetes