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Patlola, Raghotham
Lafayette, LA
Cardiologist - Dr. Raghotham Patlola received his undergraduate degree and medical education from B.L.D.E. Association’s Medical College...
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Your guide to:
CT Scans
 what is CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT) is a method of body imaging. It helps medical professionals to view the soft tissues of the body such as organs and blood vessels by using a dye (contrast) to highlight them.
how do I prepare for a CT scan?
Do not eat for three hours prior to the CT scan and drink plenty of fluids.
Some scans require that you drink or eat barium before leaving home for your appointment. The type of barium that you will ingest depends upon the type of scan you will have. It is important to follow any instructions about when and where to pick up the barium and when you should eat or drink it. Some scans also dictate that you drink lots of water before your appointment.
You may be given medication to take the night before the scan to counteract any allergic reaction that you may have to the dye used during the procedure.
what should I wear?
When you dress for your scan appointment, wear clothes without metal zippers, snaps, clips, etc. For the ladies, sports bras are acceptable because they have no clasps. Elastic waist pants without zippers or snaps are another example of the preferred attire for a CT scan. If you arrive wearing clothing that has metal fastners, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown. It is best to leave all jewelry at home because you will be required to remove it before the procedure.
what if I’ve had kidney problems in the past?
Your physician may want you to have IV fluids prior to your CT exam if you’ve had kidney problems in the past, or if your kidney blood work is elevated. This usually takes approximately six hours. You are allowed to bring food and drink with you to consume during this time, and you are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.
what takes place during the procedure?
You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the scanner.
Follow the technician’s instructions carefully. Movement can blur the image, but the CT technology that CIS uses is the fastest available. CIS was the first in Louisiana to have this technology that requires you to lie very still for only a short time. You will periodically be asked to hold your breath during the test.
The table will move slowly into the scanner as images are produced of your body. The scan is a painless procedure that can take anywhere from 10 to 20 minutes.
what can I expect when I arrive for the scan?
It may be necessary for you to drink or eat barium when you arrive for the scan. Some types of CT scan require that you drink large amounts of water to swell your stomach. This allows certain areas of the body to be viewed more easily.
An IV catheter will be inserted into a vein in your arm or hand so that the dye can be injected into your body. You will probably feel a warm flush feeling and experience a metallic-like taste in your mouth. You may have a false urinating sensation. Occasionally, nausea and vomiting may occur. All of these are normal and very mild sensations that are experienced by most people having CT scans. These are NOT allergic reactions.
what if I am allergic to the dye?
Only a small amount of patients are allergic to the dye used in a CT scan. The most common allergic reactions are hives, itching and redness. Shortness of breath and swelling are more severe reactions. As stated earlier, you may be given medication the night before the scan to lessen the severity of any allergic reaction.
however, please note:
If you have had these reactions in the past, or if any of these side effects occur during or after the dye is injected, tell the medical personnel immediately. There are medications that can be given to diminish the severity of allergic reactions.
Please note that this Web site cannot replace regular discussions with your doctor or healthcare professional.
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