CT Scan

Overview

A CT (computerized tomography) Scan obtains multiple cross-sectional images of your body by using special X-rays and computer enhancement, creating an image many times more sensitive than the image from a simple x-ray. This is a painless test and takes 1/2 – 1 hour to complete.

Preparing for a CT Scan

When your doctor schedules a CT scan, let him or her know if you have diabetes (sugar in the blood) and take a drug called Glucophage.

The Day Before Exam

If you have diabetes and take Glucophage, do not take this drug today, tomorrow, or for two days following the CT scan. Taking this drug with the IV contrast dye can result in renal (kidney) failure.

On the Day of the Exam

• Do not eat or drink anything during the 4 hours before you are scheduled to take the test
• If you take Glucophage, you should not take that medication today.
• If you take other medications, you may take them with a sip of water.

Before the exam, tell the doctor if you previously had an allergic reaction to intravenous (IV) dye or any other allergies, especially shellfish.

During the Procedure

• The technician will insert an IV into your arm through which contrast dye will pass. This dye will enhance the x-ray films that will be taken. You may also be asked to drink a contrast liquid.
• You will lie on a table and a large machine will rotate around you.

After the Exam

If you take Glucophage, do not resume the medication until the third day after the CT scan.