CT (CAT) Scan Abdomen
Prep Time: Hours

For CT preps other than Abdomen, click Other

PREPARATION:

1. Exam must be approved by radiologist or Radiology resident.
   
2. Notify physician and CT Division if allergic to iodine, is diabetic or has decreased renal function.
   
3. Notify C.T. if patient has had a Barium Study within last 48 hours.
   
4. CT will call with contrast and drinking instructions.
   
5. Alert pharmacy as to the date, time, type of scan (i.e. upper abdomen, upper abdomen, and pelvis or pelvis), and which oral contrast is needed (i.e. Readi-CAT or Hypaque).
   
6. NPO for 8 hours before test (except for oral contrast and meds).
   
7. IV or saline lock (no PICC catheters - cannot inject contrast into PICC catheter.)
   
8. The patient must be able to lie still and follow directions. This includes holding his/her breath on command. If not, must be sedated.
   
9. Notify the physician and CT if the patient is unable to cooperate with taking the oral contrast or following directions.
   
10. Wear hospital gown (no snaps).

PLEASE NOTE:

If the patient is a diabetic and taking Glucophage and IV Contrast is to be given:

1. If the serum creatinine is normal, a repeat value should be done in 48 to 72 hours.
   
2. If the serum creatinine is 1.5 or greater, the drug should be stopped for 48 hours after the injection of IV contrast and a creatinine level drawn before the drug is restarted at the doctors order.
   
3. Fluids should be forced in either case.

PROCEDURE:

The patient is placed supine on a narrow table. An IV contrast is attached to the pre-existing IV or heparin lock, and a contrast enema might be inserted rectally. (This will outline the GI tract and blood vessels). If the patient has an indwelling catheter, it will be clamped. The table is then moved into the machine and the desired images are taken. There will be times when the patient will need to hold his/her breath for approximately 15 to 20 seconds while the machine is scanning. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes. After the exam is complete, the patient may resume his/her usual activities. The patient should be encouraged to force fluids to assist in excretion of the contrast.

PATIENT EDUCATION:

You are scheduled for a C.T. (CAT) Scan of your abdomen. This test is done to look at the structure and spaces within your abdomen to determine if abnormalities are present. It may be done as an inpatient or outpatient.

A contrast media (a material that contains iodine and shows up white on x-ray) will be used to outline your GI tract. In order for this to occur, you will need to drink a flavored contrast material at specified times. It is very important that you drink the appropriate amount at the times specified, otherwise the test will not be able to be done. If you have a problem with drinking the contrast material, please notify the nurses and C.T. Division. It is very important that you are ready and on time for your scan so other patients will not be delayed in having their test. On the day of your exam, you will not be given anything to eat or drink (except for the oral contrast material and your medications) for 8 hours before the exam. An intravenous infusion (IV) or saline lock will be started in a vein in your arm. At the time of your exam, you will need to wear a hospital gown.

In the C.T. Division, you will be placed on your back on a narrow, movable table. A contrast injector will be attached to your IV or saline lock, and a contrast enema might be administered rectally. During the contrast injection you may feel very warm and flushed. This is a normal feeling and will pass quickly. If you are a diabetic and taking Glucophage, you will need to discuss this with your doctor. If you have decreased renal function, the drug may need to be stopped for 48 hours after the IV contrast injection. The oral and rectal contrast outline your GI tract and the IV contrast outlines your blood vessels. This is very important for your test. You will be assisted into the appropriate position and the table moved into the machine, which looks like a huge box with a hole in the middle. The table moves through the hole in the middle of this box during the scan. You must lie very still during the scan or the pictures will come out blurry and have to be redone. You will also be asked to hold your breath for short periods (10 to 15 seconds) during the exam. During the exam, you will be alone in the room, but you will be maintained by a two-way intercom system. After the desired pictures are obtained, you will be discharged or returned to your room and may resume your previous activities. You should force fluids for the remainder of the day to assist with flushing of the contrast from your system.