CT Procedures and Preparation
(with Readi-CAT Oral Contrast)
| Exam | Time | Diet Required | Special Preparation |
| CT Abdomen | 1 hour | NPO 12 hours before exam |
1. Patient drinks first dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) 1 hour before scan time. 2. Patient drinks 2nd dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) 30 minutes before scan time. |
| CT Abdomen & Pelvis or CT Pelvis | 1 hour | NPO 12 hours before exam |
1. Patient drinks first dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) 1 hour before scan time. 2. Patient drinks 2nd dose of oral contrast (1/2 bottle of Readi-CAT) 30 minutes before scan time. |
| CT Renal Stone | 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 |
|
CT Urogram |
1 hour | NPO 2 hours before CT | 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 or contrast (x-ray dye), notify CT at 828-286-5243.