What is a Cat Scan?

Computerized Tomography (CT): CT is the process of creating a cross-sectional tomographic plane of any part of the body. For CT, a patient is scanned by an x-ray tube rotating around the body part being imaged. A detector assembly measures the ionizing radiation exiting the patient and feeds the information back to the computer to form an image. During the examination you may need to be given a contrast injection or be asked to drink an oral contrast agent. Contrast is used to help distinguish normal anatomy to make various disease processes more visible. Most commonly used exams are the head, abdomen, chest, and pelvis.

Preparation For CT Examination:

• Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time
• Wear something comfortable (Sweat suit) that does not have metal snaps, zippers, or buttons
• Please bring your insurance cards, photo ID, and other important personal information
• Fasting prep for all abdominal/pelvic CT's is "only clear liquids only 4 hours prior" to exam
• All CT patients who have had a previous allergic reaction to IV contrast dye must contact their doctor for a steroid prep or contrast cannot be administered.

All CT patients who are diabetic and take Glucophage (generic: metformin), Glucovance, Avandamet , Metaglip, Acotplus Met Janumet, Prandi Met:

Restrictions with any of these medications become extremely important with the use of iodinated contrast media for invasive studies. When these medications are taken together, complications can arise. The following instructions are very important:

Glucophage, or any of the above medications, should be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure. Please contact your family physician for repeat lab studies to determine if and when the medication can be restarted. This determination is at the discretion of the ordering physician. Any questions regarding this medication must be directed to the ordering physician.

CT ABD/PELVIS W/WO Contrast

• There is no oral prep solution for Renal/Kidney Stones, Hematuria, Renal Dedication or fracture.
• Only liquids 4 hours prior to study.

Study requires patient to drink one bottle of barium (Readi Cat) 2 hours prior to the appointment and another bottle one hour prior to the exam time. This solution may be picked up in advance or come in 2 hours and 15 minutes prior to appointment on the same day.

IV Injection Exams

• All CT patients who have had a previous allergic reaction to IV contrast dye must contact their doctor for a steroid prep or contrast cannot be administered.

Scheduling Questions

• Do you have an Iodine or Contrast Allergy? Patient must be prepped.
• Are you asthmatic? Contact your doctor for steroid prep.
• Are you Diabetic?
• Are you taking any medication for diabeties? Glucophage?