Computed Tomography (CT or "CAT" Scan):
Routine Preparations
Here's how to prepare for your CT scan:
For a scan of the head (brain), neck, chest, arms and legs:
- Do not eat or drink for four hours before your exam.
For a scan of the abdomen and pelvis:
- Do not have any liquid or solid food for four hours prior to
your scheduled appointment time, but do take your prescription
medications with a sip of water.
- Pick up one CT drink kit from the CT department on the day
before your exam. (This drink will make it easier for the radiologist
to see your intestines and not confuse them with
abnormal structures.)
Instructions for the CT contrast drink:
- The kit contains two bottles of readi-cat contrast drink. This is pre-mixed
and may taste better when refrigerated. Please shake well before
using. Do not mix with any other substance or pour over ice.
- Ninety minutes before your scheduled appointment time, drink one
bottle.
- Thirty minutes prior to your appointment time, drink 2/3 of the
second bottle.
- Immediately before the test you will be instructed by the
technologist to drink the last third of a bottle.
For a CT angiogram (to look at blood
vessels, aortic aneurysms, renal transplant donors):
- Do not eat or drink for four hours before your exam.
- Do not drink the CT contrast drink
For more information about Computed
Tomography at Rhode Island Hospital call 401-444-8293 or e-mail CEnos@lifespan.org. Back
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