Ultra Low Dose CT Scan

Preparation for Procedure

To prepare for a CT scan, we ask that you follow the following guidelines:

  • Please do not wear any item that is metal – including watches, hair pins, hearing aids, eyeglasses and jewelry. Please also do not wear any clothing that does not contain metal buttons, snaps or zippers.
  • If you are, or think you may be pregnant please let us know as a CT scan is not generally performed on pregnant women.

CT Scan with Contrast

  • Refrain from eating AND drinking 4 hours prior to your exam.
  • If you are diabetic, please stop taking the following medications 6 hours before your exam AND resume 48 hours after the exam. If you are not taking any of the medications listed below, you may take your medication with a small amount of water.
    • Glucophage
    • Metformin
    • Glucovance
    • Metaglip
    • Avandament
    • Fortamet
    • Glumetza
    • Diaformin
    • Riomet
    • Diabex
    • Actoplus
    • Janumet
  • If you are diabetic we will need your most current blood work; no more than 3 months old. We will also need your BUN and Creatinine levels.
  • If you are not diabetic, please follow the first step.
  • On the day of your appointment, please come in with your doctor’s prescription, insurance card and a picture ID.
  • The following meds contain Metformin and can’t be taken for 6 hours before CT and 48 hours after CT with contrast:
    • Glucophage
    • Fortamet
    • Glumetza
    • Glucovance (Glyburide & Metformin)
    • Diabex
    • Diaformin
    • Riomet
    • Avandamet
    • Metaglip (Glipizide & Metformin)
    • Actoplus
    • Janumet (not Januvia)

CT Scan without Contrast

  • Refrain from eating AND drinking 4 hours prior to your exam.
  • On the day of your appointment, please come in with your doctor’s prescription, insurance card and a picture ID.
  • The following meds contain Metformin and can’t be taken for 6 hours before CT and 48 hours after CT without contrast:
    • Glucophage
    • Fortamet
    • Glumetza
    • Glucovance (Glyburide & Metformin)
    • Diabex
    • Diaformin
    • Riomet
    • Avandamet
    • Metaglip (Glipizide & Metformin)
    • Actoplus
    • Janumet (not Januvia)

What to bring and wear:

  • Bring any previous CT scans with you.
  • Bring your insurance cards, prescription and photo ID.
  • Comfortable clothing should be worn. You may be asked to change into a hospital gown for certain types of CT scans.

Arrive on time:

  • You should arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.
  • If you must cancel or reschedule, you need to do so at least 24 hours before your appointment.

Your CT Scan:

  • If you are having a contrast CT, you will be given consent forms to sign.
  • When images are being taken, you will be asked to remain motionless and hold your breath. Acquiring each image typically takes about 20 seconds.
  • If you are having a CT of the head, sinuses, or throat, your head may be immobilized during the scan in order to hold it in place to ensure accuracy.
  • Depending on the type of CT scan, the procedure can take approximately 10 to 45 minutes.
  • You can resume your normal diet and activities after the scan.

If you have any questions regarding your exam please give us a call at (201)-876-1111.