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Outpatient Care
CT Procedure
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| CT Procedure |
Patient Prep |
| CT Abdomen |
Prep for procedure:
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the waist area. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 4 hours prior to the exam. The patient may take meds with a sip of water. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using a 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate).
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need to begin drinking oral contrast 1 hour prior to the scheduled scan time at the hospital. (Since prep time for the patient generally takes 1 hour, picking up contrast ahead of time for a CT Abdomen will not be permitted.) The CT Technologist or RN will give the patient the oral contrast at the necessary time. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Abdomen should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 2 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Abdomen and Chest |
Prep for procedure:
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the waist or chest area. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 4 hours prior to the exam. The patient may take meds with a sip of water. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate).
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need to begin drinking oral contrast 1 hour prior to the scheduled scan time at the hospital. (Since prep time for the patient generally takes 1 hour, picking up contrast ahead of time for a CT Abdomen/Chest will not be permitted.) The CT Technologist or RN will give the patient the oral contrast at the necessary time. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Abdomen/Chest should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 2 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Abdomen and Pelvis |
Prep for procedure:
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the waist area. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 4 hours prior to the exam. The patient may take meds with a sip of water. (The patient may pick up the oral contrast at Mon General prior to the scan date if the patient brings the physician's written order for the CT Abdomen/Pelvis with him to the OPCC Front Desk window Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Instructions will then be given to the patient to begin drinking the oral contrast 2 hours prior to the scheduled scan time, and to arrive at the hospital 1 hour prior to the scan time. The patient will need to drink ½ container every 30 minutes to allow enough time for the oral contrast to travel through the intestines. The patient should not chug the contrast all at once since this will only make the patient feel sick and will not increase transit time of the contrast through the intestines.) The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate).
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 2 hours before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need to begin drinking oral contrast 2 hours prior to the scheduled scan time at the hospital. The CT Technologist or RN will give the patient the oral contrast at the necessary time. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Abdomen/Pelvis should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 3 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Abdomen, Pelvis and Chest |
Prep for procedure:
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the waist or chest area. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 4 hours prior to the exam. The patient may take meds with a sip of water. (The patient may pick up the oral contrast at Mon General prior to the scan date if the patient brings the physician's written order for the CT Abdomen/Pelvis/Chest with him to the OPCC Front Desk window Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm. Instructions will then be given to the patient to begin drinking the oral contrast 2 hours prior to the scheduled scan time, and to arrive at the hospital 1 hour prior to the scan time. The patient will need to drink ½ jug every 30 minutes to allow enough time for the oral contrast to travel through the intestines. The patient should not chug the contrast all at once since this will only make the patient feel sick and will not increase transit time of the contrast through the intestines.) The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate).
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 2 hours before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need to begin drinking oral contrast 2 hours prior to the scheduled scan time at the hospital. The CT Technologist or RN will give the patient the oral contrast at the necessary time. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Abdomen/Pelvis/Chest should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 3 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Chest |
Prep for procedure:
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the chest area (no necklaces, etc.). The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate).
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Chest should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 2 1/2 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Head |
Prep for procedure:
If the patient does NOT need IV contrast, then there is no prep for this exam. Patients should not wear hairpins or metallic objects in the hair. Patients should also not wear hearing aids during the scan.
If the patient is to receive IV contrast, the patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. If the patient does not know if he will receive IV contrast, then not eating or drinking for 2 hours before the scan is best. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn prior to the IV contrast injection. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate).
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient may need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Head should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 11/2 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
|
| CT Neck |
Prep for procedure:
The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep(the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate). .
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient may need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Neck should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 1/2 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
|
| CT Head and Neck |
Prep for procedure:
The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate). .
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Head/Neck should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 hour for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Pelvis |
Prep for procedure:
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the waist/lower abdominal area. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 4 hours prior to the exam. The patient may take meds with a sip of water. (The patient may pick up the oral contrast at Mon General prior to the scan date if the patient brings the physician's written order for the CT Pelvis with him to the OPCC Front Desk window Monday-Friday 8am-4pm. Instructions will then be given to the patient to begin drinking the oral contrast 2 hours prior to the scheduled scan time, and to arrive at the hospital 1 hour prior to the scan time. The patient will need to drink ½ jug every 30 minutes to allow enough time for the oral contrast to travel through the intestines. The patient should not chug the contrast all at once since this will only make the patient feel sick and will not increase transit time of the contrast through the intestines.) The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep (the physician's office may call and speak with a radiologist if questions on how to pre-medicate). .
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 2 hours before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need to begin drinking oral contrast 2 hours prior to the scheduled scan time at the hospital. The CT Technologist or RN will give the patient the oral contrast at the necessary time. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for a CT Pelvis should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 3 hours for this examination.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Spine |
What to expect upon arrival for a Routine CT Spine (no IV Contrast):
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the area to be scanned. The patient should arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before the scheduled
CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. For a routine CT Spine, there is no prep for the exam and the patient should plan on being at the hospital for a total time of approximately 45 minutes.
What to expect upon arrival if IV contrast is to be given:
For a routine CT spine, no IV contrast is needed. There are times, however, when the ordering physician requests IV contrast to be administered to the patient based on the reason for exam. If IV contrast is needed, the patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) If the ordering physician states that the patient needs IV contrast, then the patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn if IV contrast is to be given. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for this exam should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 1/2 hours if IV contrast is to be administered.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Upper or Lower Extemity (CT shoulder or CT Knee, etc.) |
What to expect upon arrival for a Routine scan (No IV contrast):
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the area to be scanned. The patient should arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before the scheduled
CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. For a routine CT scan, there is no prep for the exam and the patient should plan on being at the hospital for a total time of approximately 1 hour.
What to expect upon arrival if IV contrast is to be given:
For a routine CT scan, no IV contrast is needed. There are times, however, when the ordering physician requests IV contrast to be administered to the patient based on the reason for exam. If IV contrast is needed, the patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) If the ordering physician states that the patient needs IV contrast, then the patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn if IV contrast is to be given. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for this exam should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 1/2 hours if IV contrast is to be administered.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Sinuses |
What to expect upon arrival for a Routine scan (no IV contrast):
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the area to be scanned. The patient should arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before the scheduled
CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. For a routine CT scan, there is no prep for the exam and the patient should plan on being at the hospital for a total time of approximately 45 minutes.
What to expect upon arrival if IV contrast is to be given:
For a routine CT scan, no IV contrast is needed. There are times, however, when the ordering physician requests IV contrast to be administered to the patient based on the reason for exam. If IV contrast is needed, the patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) If the ordering physician states that the patient needs IV contrast, then the patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn if IV contrast is to be given. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for this exam should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 1/2 hours if IV contrast is to be administered.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Facial Bones |
What to expect upon arrival for a Routine scan (No IV contrast):
The patient should wear comfortable clothing with no metal around the area to be scanned. The patient should arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before the scheduled
CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. For a routine CT scan, there is no prep for the exam and the patient should plan on being at the hospital for a total time of approximately 45 minutes.
What to expect upon arrival if IV contrast is to be given:
For a routine CT scan, no IV contrast is needed. There are times, however, when the ordering physician requests IV contrast to be administered to the patient based on the reason for exam. If IV contrast is needed, the patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) If the ordering physician states that the patient needs IV contrast, then the patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn if IV contrast is to be given. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for this exam should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 1/2 hours if IV contrast is to be administered.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Temporal Bones |
Prep for procedure:
The patient needs to bring a list of current medications taken. This medication list should include the name of the medication, dosage, and how often this medication is taken. The patient should be NPO (no eating, no drinking) for 2 hours prior to the exam. The patient may need Creatinine labs drawn. (If the patient is 40 years old, or older, then Creatinine lab results must be obtained. If the patient's medical history indicates, the patient will need creatinine results even if under 40 years old.) Labs may be drawn up prior to the scan date, so to reduce wait time, we encourage patients who need labs drawn to get them drawn at the hospital a few days ahead of time. If the patient chooses to get labs drawn at another facility ahead of time, then the lab results must be sent to the CT department prior to the scan date. If the patient is allergic to iodine contrast, the ordering physician is responsible for pre-medicating the patient for the iodine allergy, using the 24 hour pre-medication prep.
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 1 hour before the scheduled CT scan time to register at the Registration Desk and to receive instructions for the test. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will need an IV started prior to the exam for IV contrast injection. Labs will be drawn, if required. If the patient arrives for the exam and is known allergic to iodine contrast, but has not been pre-medicated, then the CT exam will be rescheduled for a later date or done limited (without IV contrast). The patient for this exam should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 1 hour.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
If the patient receives IV contrast for this exam AND takes a drug containing metformin, this drug should NOT be taken for 48 hours after IV contrast injection for the CT scan.
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| CT Nerve Block |
Prep for procedure:
There is no prep for this exam. The patient must bring a driver with him for this exam.
What to expect upon arrival:
The patient should plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before the scheduled CT scan time. (The patient needs to ask the scheduling office what time the scan is actually scheduled to be performed. Often times, the office tells the patient what time to arrive at the hospital, but does not tell the patient what time the actual scan time is scheduled.) The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will change into a hospital gown for this procedure. The patient will lie on his stomach, be numbed, and then have an injection into the ordered area. This injection may cause a temporary numbing sensation in part or all of the leg(s) which can last for a short period of time or for several hours. This patient must be accompanied by a person who can drive the patient home. The patient who has a numbing sensation that lasts for hours may need assistance once he arrives home to move about the house. The patient should plan on being at the hospital for approximately 2 hours for this exam, but it may be longer if extensive numbing occurs.
What to expect after the CT procedure:
The patient who gets a numbing sensation in the leg(s) that lasts for hours may need assistance once he arrives home to move about the house.
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| CT Guided Abscess Drainage or CT Biopsy |
This patient will be admitted to the hospital for monitoring prior to the exam being performed, usually 2 hours before the scheduled time. Plans for admission will be arranged by the admitting physician. PT and PTT lab work must be drawn at least 1 hour prior to the procedure time. Lab results must be within normal limits for the CT procedure to be performed. If the lab results are not within normal limits, the exam may be canceled and rescheduled. The patient needs to bring the physician written order with him to this appointment. The patient will be called by the hospital the evening prior to admission to give final instructions prior to admission. CT guided biopsies or abscess drainages are relatively painless for the patient since a local anesthetic is used. If the patient experiences pain, he needs to let the radiologist know. The patient will be given education and instructions regarding the procedure prior to the procedure being performed by the CT Technologist and/or the Radiologist upon arrival for the procedure. The patient should expect to be in the hospital 2 hours before the procedure and anywhere from 2-4 hours after procedure, or longer, depending on the physician's orders and the patient's needs.
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