CT SCAN - PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
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1. SHOULD I REACH THE CENTRE PRIOR TO MY APPOINTMENT TIME?
Our radiographer will inform you the timings when you make an appointment. It is better if you can make it 20-30 minutes before your appointment time to make preparations for the study. Some patients may need to drink oral contrast for their scan. The more contrast you are able to drink, the better the images are for the radiologist to visualize your stomach and intestines. In such cases, he/she must arrive in the department 2 hours prior to their examination time.
2. SHOULD I DO BLOOD TESTS BEFORE THE CT SCAN?
No tests are necessary if your scan does not involve a contrast agent. For all contrast examinations, Blood Urea, Serum Creatinine report is required. This test must be completed no later than 60 days prior to the examination. Our radiographer will inform you beforehand, if you need to take these tests.
3. I HAVE ISSUES WITH MY KIDNEY FUNCTION. WHAT SHALL I DO?
If you have problems with your kidney function, please inform our radiologist in advance. We may be able to perform the scan without the contrast media or find an alternate imaging exam. Blood Urea, Serum Creatinine report must be required for all contrast examinations. This test must be completed no later than 60 days prior to the examination.
4. IS IT OK TO HAVE FOOD BEFORE TAKING A CT SCAN?
If your study was ordered without a contrast agent (medicine injected for CT scan), you can eat, drink and take your prescribed medications prior to your exam. If your doctor orders a CT scan with contrast, do not eat anything 4-6 hours prior to your CT scan. We encourage you to drink clear liquids. This is a precautionary measure due to a possible nausea reaction to the iodine contrast solution commonly used.
5. WHAT SHOULD I WEAR? IS JEWELLERY PERMITTED?
You may be asked to change into a patient gown. If so, a gown will be provided for you. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewellery and valuables at home. Mobile phones and other metal objects distort the images and are not permitted inside the scan room.
6. I THINK I MAY BE PREGNANT. IS IT SAFE TO GO AHEAD WITH A CT SCAN?
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. CT scan are generally not done during pregnancy unless there is a clear indication.
7. I HAVE ALLERGIES OR HAD A PREVIOUS ALLERGIC REACTION DURING A SCAN. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please inform us when you schedule your scan if you have had an allergic reaction to any contrast media. We test for allergies prior to the scan and can be successfully picked up in most cases. IV contrast will not be administered if you have had a severe/anaphylactic reaction to any contrast media in the past. Any known reactions to a contrast media should be discussed with your physician.
8. CAN I TAKE MEDICINES BEFORE A CT SCAN? WHAT IF I AM A DIABETIC?
All patients can take their non-diabetic medications as usual. People with diabetes should eat a light breakfast or lunch three hours prior to the scan time. Depending on your oral medication for diabetes, you may be asked to discontinue use of the medication for 48 hours after the CT examination. Detailed instructions will be given following your examination.