Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body

Before the CT scan, tell your doctor if you:

• Are or might be pregnant.
• Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes.
• Have a heart condition, such as Reference heart failure Opens New Window.
• Have Reference diabetes Opens New Window or take metformin (Glucophage) for your diabetes. You may have to adjust your medicine for a day before and after the test.
• Have had kidney problems.
• Have Reference asthma Opens New Window.
• Have had Reference multiple myeloma Opens New Window.
• Have had an X-ray test using barium contrast material (such as a Reference barium enema Opens New Window) or have taken a medicine that contains bismuth (such as Pepto-Bismol) in the past 4 days. Barium and bismuth show up on X-ray films and make it hard to see the picture clearly.
• Become very nervous in small spaces. You need to lie still inside the CT scanner, so you may need a medicine (Reference sedative Opens New Window) to help you relax.

Arrange for someone to take you home in case you get a medicine to help you relax (sedative) for the test.

If you have a CT scan of your belly, you may be asked to not eat any solid foods starting the night before your scan. For a CT scan of the belly, you may drink contrast material. For some CT scans, you may need a laxative or an Reference enema Opens New Window before the test.

Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?).

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This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.