Prior to Test

Prior to the surgery, the doctor will do a physical exam.

Talk to your doctor about any medications, herbs, or supplements you are taking. You may have to stop certain medications, food, or beverages before the test.

At the care center:

• You will remove your clothes and put on a gown or robe.
• You will remove all jewelry, hair clips, dentures, and other objects that could show on the x-rays and make the images hard to read.

Description of Test

An IV is placed in a vein, and you will lie down on a narrow table. Pillows and straps may be used to keep you in a certain position. The part of your body that will be studied is moved inside the opening of the CT machine, and a test image is taken. You will be given a small amount of contrast material through the IV to check how long it takes to get to the area to be studied. Next, the IV is connected to an automatic injector and contrast material is injected. Then, the scan begins.

You must stay still during the scan. You will be asked to hold your breath for 10-25 seconds to ensure that the images are not blurred by any movement. It only takes seconds to record all the images needed.

After Test

The images are checked. If needed, some are repeated.

During the hours after the procedure, drink extra fluids to help flush the contrast material from your body.

How Long Will It Take?

20-60 minutes

Will It Hurt?

Although the procedure is not painful, you may feel warm and flushed when contrast material is injected.

Results

The findings will be reported to your doctor, usually within 24 hours. Your doctor will discuss the findings with you and any treatment needed.