Routine Preparations

Here's how to prepare for your CT scan:

For a scan of the head (brain), neck, chest, arms and legs:

• Do not eat or drink for two hours before your exam.
• Do not have any liquid or solid food for two hours prior to your scheduled appointment time, but do take your prescription medications.
• Pick up one CT drink kit from the CT department on the day before your exam. (This drink will make it easier for the radiologist to see your intestines and not confuse them with abnormal structures.)

Instructions for the CT contrast drink:

• • The kit contains two bottles of contrast drink. This is pre-mixed and may taste better when refrigerated. Please shake well before using. Do not mix with any other substance or pour over ice.
  • 90 minutes before your scheduled appointment, drink 1 bottle.
  • 30 minutes prior to your appointment, drink 2/3 of second bottle.
  • Immediately before the test you will be instructed by the technologist to drink the last third of a bottle.

For a CT angiogram (to look at blood vessels, aortic aneurysms, renal transplant donors):

• Do not eat or drink for two hours before your exam.
• Do not drink the CT contrast drink

 For more information about computed tomography at The Miriam Hospital call 401-793-4402 or e-mail KLaurie@Lifespan.org.