What to bring on the day of your CT Colonography
- Any recent tests related to the reason for your referral
- Previous imaging studies of the same area
- A medical note from the referring physician explaining the reason for the examination
- The referral form provided by your doctor
- Any medications prescribed by your doctor, as well as your creatinine test results if you are scheduled for a CT scan with contrast
- A valid form of identification (e.g., ID card, passport, driver’s license) and your social security number
How the examination is performed
Before the examination, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. Then, you will lie down on a narrow examination table that slides into a ring-shaped scanner. The technician may ask you through an intercom to follow simple breathing instructions, which you should follow carefully to obtain the clearest possible images. The examination usually takes no longer than 5 minutes.
How to prepare for your exam
It is recommended to wear clothing and accessories (e.g., jewelry) that are easy to remove. Since intravenous contrast medium will be administered, you must have had a creatinine blood test within the last 30 days before your CT scan. If you wish, this test can be performed at Metropolitan Hospital on the day of your scan. However, please note that 1 hour is required for the results to be ready from the time the sample is taken.
- Dietary instructions
Two days before the exam:
Avoid fruits, vegetables, legumes, and dairy products.
The day before the exam:- At 11:00 AM, take 2 tablets of DULCOLAX
- After 11:00 AM, do not consume any solid food. (Broths and decaffeinated coffee are allowed.)
- At 20:00 PM, drink 60ml of Gastrografin diluted in one 0.5L bottle of water
You may take your regular medications at their usual time with clear fluids only (e.g., water, apple juice).
- If you are a woman, inform your doctor before the exam if there is any chance you might be pregnant.
- Allergies:
If you have previously had an allergic reaction only to CT contrast agents, please contact the Radiology Department at 210 4807082 (8:00 AM–4:00 PM).
Your referring doctor may prescribe preventive medication.
Typical preventive medication protocol:
-12 hours before the exam: 2 tablets of Medrol 16 mg
-2 hours before the exam: 2 tablets of Medrol 16 mg
-1 hour before the exam: 1 tablet of Zirtek 5 mg - If you are diabetic and take medication containing metformin, you must contact your doctor after the examination.
When to arrive
Please arrive 5–10 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete the required paperwork. If you will be using private health insurance, you may need to arrive considerably earlier, depending on your provider’s requirements.
After your examination
You may resume your normal activities immediately after the scan. If a contrast agent was administered, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids after the examination to help your body eliminate the contrast material.
When and how to receive your results
On the day of your examination, the reception will inform you of the expected date your results will be ready. The report will be sent to the email you provide, and you can also access your report and images through the My Ygeia app.