How to Prepare for Your CT/CTA Scan with IV Contrast

It is very important to follow these instructions for the test to be performed safely and properly and to have accurate results. If you are unsure about any part of this please contact your referring doctor or your primary care physician.

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.

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 an CT or CTA with a contrast injection 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.

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.

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 CT scans before.
  • Allergy to any medication.

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.