What to bring on the day of your CT Urography
- 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
You must fast for 6 hours prior to the examination, but you may take your regular medications at their usual time, accompanied only by clear fluids (such as water or apple juice). We recommend wearing clothing and accessories (e.g., jewelry) that are easy to remove.
- If you are a woman, inform your doctor before the exam if there is any chance you might be pregnant.
- If contrast agent will be administered:
If you are to receive an intravenous contrast agent, you must have had a blood test for creatinine within 30 days before the CT scan.
If you prefer, the test can be done at Metropolitan Hospital on the day of the exam; however, please allow approximately 1 hour for the results after the blood sample is taken. - 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.
If the department provided the intravenous contrast agent, you must replace the product that was used after the examination.
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.