The Center for Pediatric Imaging
Preparing for Computed Tomography
(CT or "CAT" scan)
 General Preparations:
- For CT studies in older children who do not require
intravenous contrast, no preparation is necessary. This would include studies
such as CT of the head, sinuses, or bone.
- For CT studies in younger
children who do not require intravenous contrast but who may need
sedation; they may not have anything by mouth for 6 hours.
- For CT studies
in younger children who will require intravenous and who will need
sedation;
they may not have anything by mouth for 6 hours.
 Specific preparations for
CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis:
9 Years and
Older:
A kit can be obtained in the CT
department. It contains (2) 450 ml bottles of Readi-Cat. This substance is
pre-mixed and ready to use. It can be refrigerated before use.
- Do not mix it with another substance
- Do not pour it over ice.
- Shake well before use.
- Do not have any liquids or solids 4
hours prior to the scheduled appointment.
- 90 minutes prior to
scheduled appointment, drink one bottle of Readi-Cat (450 ml)
- 30 minutes prior to scheduled appointment time, drink 2/3 bottle of Readi-Cat
(300 ml)
- Bring the remaining 1/3 bottle (150 ml) when you report to the CT
Scan Department. You will need to drink this just prior to your scan.
 Under 9 Years of Age:
The kit has a container of 10g of Oral Hypaque that
needs to be mixed with 12oz of juice. The solution may be refrigerated;
however, ice cannot be added.
- 0 -1 month: Patient is unable to have solids
or milk products 6 hours prior to scheduled appointment. Patient is unable
to have breast milk 4 hours prior to scheduled appointment time. Two (2)
hours prior to scheduled appointment administer 4 ounces of Oral Hypaque
solution by mouth. Upon arrival in CT department, patient will be
evaluated for sedation.
- 1 month - 1 year: Patient is unable to have solids
or milk products 6 hours prior to scheduled appointment Patient is unable
to have breast milk 4 hours prior to scheduled appointment time. Two (2)
hours prior to the scheduled appointment administer 4-8 ounces of Oral
Hypaque solution by mouth. Upon arrival in CT department, patient will be
evaluated for sedation.
- 1-5 years: Allow nothing to eat or drink 6 hours
prior to scheduled appointment time. Three (3) hours prior to scheduled
appointment administer 12 ounces of Oral Hypaque by mouth. Upon arrival in
CT department, patient will be evaluated for sedation.
- 6-8 years: Allow nothing to eat or drink 6 hours prior to scheduled appointment time. Forty
five (45) minutes prior to scheduled appointment administer 12 ounces of
Oral Hypaque by mouth. Upon arrival in department, the patient will be
given and additional 6-8 ounces of Oral Hypaque solution 15 minutes prior
to the exam.
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