1What are the do's and don'ts before a CT scan?
EAT/DRINK: If your doctor ordered a CT scan without contrast, you can eat, drink and take your prescribed medications prior to your exam. If your doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast, do not eat anything three hours prior to your CT scan. You are encouraged to drink clear liquids.
2What do I need to know about a CT scan?
What You Need to Know. A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging exam that uses X-ray technology to produce images of the inside of the body. A CT scan can show detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, organs and blood vessels.
3What are some problems with CT scans?
CT scans are quick, painless and generally safe. But there's a small risk you could have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye used and you'll be exposed to X-ray radiation. The amount of radiation you're exposed to during a CT scan varies, depending on how much of your body is scanned.
4How long does a CT scan take from start to finish?
Typically, you should plan for an hour for a CT scan. Most of that time is for preparation. The scan itself takes between 10 and 30 minutes or less. Generally, you can resume your activities after a healthcare provider says it is safe to do so — usually after they complete the scan and verify clear images.
5Why do you have to drink water after a CT scan?
When the CT scan is over, you can resume normal activities. If you had intravenous contrast, you should drink at least eight glasses of water throughout the day to help flush the contrast out of your body. Your doctor will receive the results within 48 hours.
6Why do you have to fast before a CT scan?
Generally, there is no fasting requirement prior to a CT scan, unless a contrast dye is to be used. Your doctor will give you special instructions ahead of time if contrast is to be used and if you will need to withhold food and drink. Notify the technologist if you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant.
7How many CT scans are safe?
The typical CT radiation dose is 10 to 20 millisieverts (mSv), which is associated with a lifetime risk of fatal cancer of approximately one per 2,000 CT scans.
8How much water should I drink after CT scan with contrast?
You may eat and drive as normal. If you received an injection of contrast dye, you should drink six to eight glasses of water to help flush it out of your system.
9Is CT scan harmful for body?
Studies show that the risk of cancer from CT scans is extremely low. Sometimes, your health condition will require an imaging exam that uses ionizing radiation. If you have concerns, talk to your doctor about the need for and importance of the exam.
10What do you wear to a CT scan?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the scan. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam.
11Can you pee before a CT scan?
For a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis you might need: a full bladder before your scan - so you might need to drink 1 litre of water beforehand. to drink a liquid contrast - this dye highlights your urinary system on the screen.
12Can you wear deodorant for a CT scan?
Wear loose and comfortable clothing with no metal. Remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the study. Patients should not wear any deodorant, powder, or perfume the day of the exam.
13Do you have to take your clothes off for a CT scan?
A CT scan is usually done by a radiology technologist. You may need to take off any jewelry. You will need to take off all or most of your clothes, depending on which area is studied. You may be able to wear your underwear for some scans.
14Is chest CT scan harmful?
No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT exam. The x-rays used for CT scanning should have no immediate side effects. Low-dose CT scans of the chest use a lower dose of radiation than conventional chest CT.