CT Procedures and Preparation
(with Readi-CAT Oral Contrast)
Exam | Time | Diet Required | Special Preparation |
CT Abdomen | 2 hours | NPO 12 hours before exam |
1. Patient drinks first dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) two hours before exam time. 2. Patient drinks 2nd dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) one hour before exam time. Ex: Drink 1st dose at 0700 Drink 2nd dose at 0800 CT Abdomen at 0900 |
CT Abdomen & Pelvis or CT Pelvis | 3 hours | NPO 12 hours before exam |
1. Patient drinks first dose of oral contrast (1 bottle of Readi-CAT) three hours before exam time. 2. Patient drinks 2nd dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) two hour before exam time. 3. Patient drinks 3rd dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) one hour before exam time. Ex: Drink 1st dose at 0700 Drink 2nd dose at 0800 Drink 3rd dose at 0900 CT Exam at 1000 |
CT "IVP" | 30 minutes | No special diet | No special preparation required |
CT Head |
30 minutes |
No special diet | No special preparation required |
CT Sinus | 15 minutes | NPO 2 hours before CT | No special preparation required |
CT Facial Bones | 30 minutes | NPO 2 hours before CT | No special preparation required |
CT Orbits | 30 minutes | No special diet | No special preparation required |
CT Neck | 30 minutes | NPO 2 hours before CT | No special preparation required |
CT Chest | 30 minutes | NPO 2 hours before CT | No special preparation required |
CT Spine- C-spine T-spine L-S spine |
30 minutes | No special diet | No special preparation required |
Note:
- NPO means "Nothing by mouth."
- Readi-Cat oral contrast may be obtained from the CT Department.
- The Readi-Cat oral contrast is not iodine-based; it is barium-based.
- If patient is allergic to iodine, contrast (x-ray dye), or shellfish, notify CT at 828-286-5243.