CT scans may be  ordered  without  intravenous contrast, with intravenous contrast,

or with and without. Contrast materials offer additional information about certain

anatomical structures & vessels in the body.  Many times people refer to the contrast

material as dye. Although dye is not the correct term, it does provide an easy-to-

understand example.  

Your doctor will decide which procedure will give the most optimal results. The following anatomical body regions may be scanned without contrast and then followed by contrast material. Please refer to your request (order) form to see what exam your doctor has selected.

If you are having an exam listed above with contrast enhancement, please follow the

dietary instruction  listed below.   If your examination does not include contrast

enhancement, there is no preparation needed for these exams.

Dietary Instruction: 

A light breakfast may be eaten the morning of the exam; preferably clear liquids such as broth, clear juice or water. Do not eat a heavy meal four (4) hours prior to the time of your exam. You may drink clear liquids up until the time of your exam.

Diabetic Patients: 

Please inform us if you are diabetic at the time of scheduling.

If you are on any metformin product, such as but not limited to Glucovance, Glucophage, Metaglip Metformin/Glipizide or Avandamet, please inform your physician and your radiology scheduler. If you will be receiving an injection of contrast material, you must not take any metformin product the day of the procedure and withhold for forty-eight (48) hours after the procedure. The metformin product should not be resumed again until after renal function has been reevaluated and found to be normal by the referring physician. This applies to all ages. Confirm with your physician before removing yourself from any medication prescribed.

THE FOLLOWING PROCEDURES REQUIRE SPECIAL PREPARATION TO BE STARTED 3 HOURS PRIOR TO EXAM:

Abdomen and  Pelvis

Abdomen Only

Pelvis Only

Liver

Pancreas

Renal/Adrenal

*Pediatric Patients: Upon scheduling we will give preparation instructions.

The preparation is as follows.

CT Barium Instruction:

1.)   Begin drinking the first bottle three (3) hours prior to your scheduled exam time.

2.)    Drink the second bottle one (1) hour prior to exam time.

CT preps may be refrigerated for several days prior to the exam.  Shake well before drinking.  This oral preparation may act as a laxative in some patients resulting in diarrhea.  This may start as soon as 30 minutes after drinking and may last 3-4 hours following the exam. 

It is very important to follow these instructions and to drink all of the barium in order to obtain proper opacification (coating) of your entire intestinal tract.  Please sip barium slowly. 

Dietary Instruction 

A light breakfast may be eaten the morning of the exam; preferably clear liquids such as broth, clear juice or water. Do not eat a heavy meal four (4) hours prior to the time of your exam. You may drink clear liquids up until the time of your exam.

Diabetic Patients: 

Please inform us if you are diabetic at the time of scheduling.

If you are on any metformin product, such as but not limited to Glucovance, Glucophage, Metaglip Metformin/Glipizide or Avandamet, please inform your physician and your radiology scheduler. If you will be receiving an injection of contrast material, you must not take any metformin product the day of the procedure and withhold for forty-eight (48) hours after the procedure. The metformin product should not be resumed again until after renal function has been reevaluated and found to be normal by the referring physician. This applies to all ages. Confirm with your physician before removing yourself from any medication prescribed.