CT SCAN
v WHAT IS A CT SCAN?
(COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY)
A CT scan is an x-ray exam that produces
special images of the body.
These images define the shape, size, and position of
internal body parts allowing for a diagnosis. CT scans
are usually ordered with CONTRAST MEDIA/DYE.
v WHAT IS CONTRAST MEDIA/DYE?
Contrast media/dye is a special fluid introduced
into the body that shows up on x-ray. It is used to
“highlight” the area of the body being scanned. There
are three different routes of contrast media/dye:
ORAL, INTRAVENOUS (IV), and RECTAL.
Depending on what exam your doctor has ordered,
you may receive one or all of the above.
ORAL CONTRAST is given to highlight the stomach
and small bowel. You will be asked to drink 2-3
glasses of oral contrast 20-30 min. before your scan.
IV CONTRAST is given to highlight the blood vessels
and blood flow to the body parts being scanned. It is
an iodine-based dye. IV contrast is given during the
scan through a small needle placed into the vein in
your arm or hand.
RECTAL CONTRAST is given during the scan in the
form of an enema to highlight the large bowel and
rectum.
v WHO WILL DO THE SCAN?
CT scans are performed by a CT technologist,
who is an expert in the use of the CT scanner.
v WHO READS THE CT SCAN?
A radiologist, a medical doctor who interprets the
findings on the CT scan, will review the images. A
report of the results will be sent to your doctor.
v COST OF THE CT SCAN?
You will receive two bills for your CT scan: (1)
The fee, for doing the CT scan is from Marquette
General Hospital. (2) The radiologist’s fee for reading
the CT scan is from Marquette Radiology Associates.
v PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR PRIOR TO
THE CT SCAN IF THE FOLLOWING ISSUES
CONCERN YOU.
If you think you could be PREGNANT
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to
INTRAVENOUS CONTRAST (iodine dye), such as
hives, rash, facial swelling, or difficulty breathing.
NOTE: IV contrast is given for kidney/bladder x-rays
(IVP), CT scan, myelogram, heart catheterization, or
any study of the blood vessels.
Depending upon the degree of your reaction, a
special medication (allergy prep) STARTING THE
DAY BEFORE YOUR CT SCAN will need to be
prescribed by your doctor or a different exam may be
ordered.
v HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CT SCAN
CT exams ordered with any type of CONTRAST
MEDIA/DYE, require a change in your normal diet.
You may eat up until 3 hours prior to your exam. DO
NOT EAT ANYTHING DURING THE 3 HOURS
BEFORE YOUR TEST, EXCEPT TO TAKE YOUR
DAILY PILLS WITH SIPS OF WATER.
CT exams ordered with RECTAL CONTRAST
require 2 FLEETS brand enemas, one night before
and one the morning of the scan, to prepare your
large bowel for the CONTRAST MEDIA.
IF YOU HAVE A COLOSTOMY, no FLEETS
enemas are needed. You will be asked to start
drinking contrast the evening before the CT Scan.
Please contact the CT Department (phone number on
back of page) for the contrast and instructions.
If you are a DIABETIC and take INSULIN, you
may want to ask your doctor to adjust your dosage to
any diet changes needed for the CT scan. If you take
the drug GLUCOPHAGE, check with your doctor
about stopping this drug for 2 days after this exam.
An abnormal x-ray may be the reason you are
having your CT scan. (Additional x-rays may be
required on the day of your exam to coincide with the
CT scan.)
Bring any previous films related to the area being
scanned.
v DAY OF EXAM
Take your daily oral medications with sips of
water, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Bring a list of your daily medications.
Bring any papers, including the doctor’s written
order, and all related films needed for the CT scan.
v PATIENTS TAKING ALLERGY PREP
If you are allergic to IV CONTRAST and will be
taking the allergy prep, please remember to:
bring a driver because the Benadryl could make
you sleepy.
take a last dose of Prednisone with sips of water
only.
If you must change your appointment, please call
your doctor’s office and:
CENTRAL SCHEDULING AT:
(906) 225-3551
1-800-562-9753, ext. 3551
If you have any questions concerning your CT
scan, please call:
MARQUETTE GENERAL HOSPITAL
CT DEPARTMENT
M-F 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
(906) 225-3537
or
RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT AT
(906) 225-3540 or UP TOLL FREE 1-800-562-9753
& ask for the department you desire.
Following the CT scan, you may resume your
normal diet and activities.
