Some CT scans require no preparation, while others may involve oral or IV contrast—it all depends on the type of CT scan. Following instructions carefully is essential to ensure your test is performed safely and yields accurate results.
Oral or Injection Contrast
Does your prescription say “with contrast”, “with and without contrast”, “Inj” or have the letter C on it?
- This means your exam requires a contrast injection.
Does your prescription say “Oral”, “P/O” or “Barium”?
- This means your exam requires oral barium contrast.
Please note: Doctors do not always mention barium on the prescription. In those cases we follow standard medical protocol.
Please note: It is the patient’s responsibility to pick up barium from our facility. You must have your prescription with you when you come to pick it up!
Low Dose CT Lung Cancer Screening
For low-dose CT lung cancer screening please complete this form before visiting the office: Lung CT Consent & Order Form
How to Prepare for Your CT Scan with IV and/or Oral Contrast
Stay hydrated
The day before and the day of the test you should stay very well hydrated. Drink lots of water, but avoid all other drinks especially anything containing caffeine, as they tend to dehydrate you.
- If you are having a CT with a contrast injection or barium please be sure drink plenty of water before and after the exam. This will ensure that the injection itself is as painless as possible and that the contrast material is flushed out of your system quickly.
- Do not eat or drink anything except water 4 hours before your appointment.
- If you need to take medication other than those listed below, please take it as usual.
Blood work
You will need to submit blood work containing BUN (blood urea nitrogen), creatinine and GFR (glomerular filtration rate) levels no older than 90 days if you:
- Are 60 years old or older.
- Have a history of kidney or liver disease (renal failure, one kidney, hepatitis, etc.).
- Have diabetes.
- Have hypertension.
If you do not already have this blood work you will need to contact your primary care physician for a prescription. Please have all blood work ready at least 3 days before your procedure.
Steroid allergy prep
You will need to consult your primary care physician about a steroid allergy prep if you have any of the following:
- Allergy to seafood, shellfish or iodine.
- Asthma or other respiratory disorder that requires an inhaler.
- An allergic reaction to IV contrast for a prior study.
- Allergy to any medication.
If you have Diabetes
If you have Diabetes and are taking medication other than insulin please consult the list below for medications you should not take the day of the test and 48 hours after the test. If you are unsure about whether the medication can be taken do not take it on the day of the test, but do bring it with you to show the technologist performing the test.
- Any medications containing Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucovance, Glumetza, Janumet, Jentadueto, Kombiglyze, Linagliptin, Metformin, Metaglip, Metformin Hydrochloride, Pioglitazone, Prandimet, Repaglinide, Riomet, Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin.
Instructions for drinking barium
In addition to the above, please follow these instructions for drinking barium. You will be given a hard copy of these when you pick the barium up.
- You may refrigerate the two (2) bottles of barium enclosed with these instructions. Do not freeze or heat them. When you arrive at the CT scan department, you may be given one (1) additional cup of barium to drink.
Morning appointments
If your appointment is between 7 am and 12:30 pm:
- The day before your test, please drink at least 6-8 glasses of water and avoid caffeine.
- The night before your test, please shake well and drink one (1) bottle of barium at 8 pm.
- Shake well and drink the second bottle of barium one (1) hour before your appointment.
Afternoon appointments
If your appointment is between 1 pm and 5:30 pm:
- The day before and the day of your test, please drink at least 6-8 glasses of water and avoid caffeine.
- The morning of your appointment, please shake well and drink one (1) bottle of barium at approximately 7 am.
- Shake well and drink the second bottle of barium one (1) hour before your appointment.
Evening appointments
If your appointment is between 6 pm and 7:30 pm:
- The day before and the day of your test, please drink at least 6-8 glasses of water and avoid caffeine.
- The morning of your appointment, please shake well and drink one (1) bottle of barium at approximately 10 am.
- Shake well and drink the second bottle of barium one (1) hour before your appointment.
The day of your appointment
Please bring with you any Pre-Certification or Referral required by your insurance, along with your insurance card, your photo ID, and your prescription.
Have questions?
If you are unsure about any part of this please contact your referring doctor or your primary care physician.
