CT Scan Barium Instructions

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.

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.

  • If you need to take medication other than those listed below, please take it as usual.
  • Any medications containing Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Glucophage, Glucovance, Glumetza, Janumet, Jentadueto, Kombiglyze, Linagliptin, Metformin, Metaglip, Metformin Hydrochloride, Pioglitazone, Prandimet, Repaglinide, Riomet, Saxagliptin, Sitagliptin.
CT Scan Department Note. 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.

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.
  • In the morning, take medications with water as usual, but do not eat or drink anything except water 4 hours prior to your appointment.
  • 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.
  • Take medications with water as usual, but do not eat or drink anything except water 4 hours prior to your appointment.
  • 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.
  • Take medications with water as usual, but do not eat or drink anything except water 4 hours prior to your appointment.
  • Shake well and drink the second bottle of barium one (1) hour before your appointment.

If you are unsure about any part of this please contact your referring doctor or your primary care physician.