How to prepare for a CT scan. What is barium sulfate used for in CT scans. When should you arrive for your CT scan appointment. How does contrast agent enhance CT scan results. What precautions should diabetic patients take before a CT scan.

Understanding CT Scans and Contrast Agents

Computed Tomography (CT) scans are invaluable diagnostic tools that provide detailed cross-sectional images of the body. To enhance the visibility of certain structures, contrast agents are often used. One such agent is barium sulfate, which plays a crucial role in imaging the gastrointestinal tract.

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create detailed images of the body’s internal structures. It allows radiologists to visualize organs, bones, and soft tissues with remarkable clarity, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of various medical conditions.

The role of contrast agents in CT scans

Contrast agents are substances that improve the visibility of specific body structures during imaging studies. In CT scans, they help highlight particular areas of interest, making it easier for radiologists to identify abnormalities or potential issues.

Barium Sulfate: A Key Contrast Agent for CT Scans

Barium sulfate is a contrast agent commonly used in CT scans of the gastrointestinal tract. It is an inert, non-toxic substance that appears white on X-rays, providing excellent contrast for imaging the digestive system.

Why is barium sulfate used in CT scans?

Barium sulfate is used in CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis to coat the gastrointestinal tract. This coating helps radiologists better visualize the structure and function of the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and colon.

How is barium sulfate administered?

Barium sulfate is typically administered orally as a liquid or suspension. Patients are usually instructed to drink the contrast agent over a specified period before their CT scan appointment. This ensures that the barium coats the gastrointestinal tract thoroughly, providing optimal imaging results.

Preparing for Your CT Scan: Step-by-Step Guide

Proper preparation is essential for obtaining high-quality CT scan images. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for your upcoming CT scan:

1. Medication management
2. Dietary restrictions
3. Arrival time
4. Kidney function assessment
5. Appropriate attire
6. Special considerations for diabetic patients
7. Intravenous contrast preparation

Medication management

Should you continue taking your regular medications before a CT scan? Yes, it’s important to maintain your regular medication schedule. Take all medications prescribed by your doctor as usual. However, be sure to inform the CT scan staff about any medications you’ve taken prior to the test. Bring a comprehensive list of your medications to your appointment for reference.

Dietary restrictions

For CT scans of the abdomen and/or pelvis, or any CT scan requiring intravenous contrast, patients should refrain from eating solid foods for two hours prior to the test. However, clear fluids are encouraged. You may drink water, broth, clear soups, juice, or black decaffeinated coffee or tea. Staying well-hydrated is beneficial for the procedure.

Timing Your Arrival for Optimal Results

The timing of your arrival for a CT scan can significantly impact the quality of the images obtained. Different types of CT scans may require different arrival times.

Arrival time for abdominal and pelvic CT scans

If you’re scheduled for a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis, you should plan to arrive two hours before your appointed time. This extended arrival time serves two important purposes:

• It allows sufficient time for you to drink the barium sulfate contrast agent.
• It ensures that the barium has adequate time to coat your gastrointestinal tract completely, enhancing the visibility of these structures during the scan.

Arrival time for other CT scans

For CT scans of other body parts, arriving 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment time is typically sufficient. This allows time for registration, changing into a hospital gown if necessary, and addressing any last-minute questions or concerns.

Kidney Function Assessment: Ensuring Patient Safety

Many CT scans involve the use of intravenous contrast solutions, which can potentially affect kidney function. To ensure patient safety, kidney function assessment is often required before administering contrast agents.

Who needs kidney function testing before a CT scan?

Kidney function testing is typically required for:

• All patients over 60 years of age
• Patients with medical conditions that may predispose them to kidney disease

When should kidney function tests be performed?

Ideally, kidney function tests should be performed within 30 days of the scheduled CT scan. If recent lab results are not available, patients may need to have blood drawn in the radiology department prior to imaging.

Special Considerations for Diabetic Patients

Diabetic patients, particularly those who are insulin-dependent, need to take special precautions when preparing for a CT scan.

How should insulin-dependent diabetics prepare for a CT scan?

If you’re an insulin-dependent diabetic, follow these guidelines:

• Continue taking your insulin as prescribed by your doctor.
• Be prepared to drink fruit juice as needed during the two-hour fasting period before your CT scan.
• Inform the CT scan staff about your diabetic condition and any medications you’ve taken.

Intravenous Contrast: Enhancing CT Scan Results

Many CT scans utilize intravenous (IV) contrast agents to enhance the visibility of certain structures or abnormalities. Understanding the process of IV contrast administration can help alleviate any concerns you may have.

How is IV contrast administered?

If your doctor or the radiologist has determined that IV contrast will enhance your CT scan results, a technologist will place an IV line in your arm or hand prior to the scan. The contrast agent will be injected through this line during the procedure.

Are there any risks associated with IV contrast?

While generally safe, IV contrast agents can pose risks to patients with impaired kidney function. This is why kidney function testing is often required before CT scans using IV contrast. In some cases, patients with abnormal kidney function may require a special hydration protocol to reduce the risk of contrast-induced kidney impairment.

The Hydration Protocol: Protecting Kidney Function

For patients with abnormal kidney function who require IV contrast for their CT scan, a hydration protocol may be implemented to protect their kidneys.

What does the hydration protocol involve?

The hydration protocol typically includes:

• A four-hour stay in the radiology department
• Intravenous administration of sodium bicarbonate solution before and after imaging
• Close monitoring of the patient’s hydration status and kidney function

This protocol can only be accommodated by advance appointment during regular business hours due to its extended duration and specialized care requirements.

What to Expect During Your CT Scan

Understanding what happens during a CT scan can help alleviate anxiety and ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what you can expect:

1. You’ll be asked to lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner.
2. The scanner is shaped like a large doughnut and will rotate around you as it captures images.
3. Most CT scans take about five minutes to complete.
4. It’s crucial to remain still during the scan to ensure clear, accurate images.
5. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods during the scan.
6. If IV contrast is used, you may feel a warm sensation throughout your body as it’s injected.

Is a CT scan painful?

No, CT scans are painless imaging procedures. You may experience slight discomfort from lying still on the table or from the insertion of the IV line if contrast is used, but the scan itself does not cause pain.

Types of CT Scans: Tailored Imaging for Specific Needs

CT scans can be performed on various parts of the body, each with its own specific preparation and imaging protocols. Some common types of CT scans include:

• Abdominal and pelvic CT scans
• Cardiac CT scans
• Chest CT scans, including low-dose scans for lung cancer screening
• Head, temporal bone, sinus, orbital, and facial CT scans
• Extremity CT scans
• Spine CT scans (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
• Virtual colonoscopy

How do preparation requirements differ for various CT scans?

Preparation requirements can vary significantly depending on the type of CT scan you’re having. For example:

• Abdominal and pelvic CT scans often require fasting and drinking barium sulfate.
• Cardiac CT scans may require you to avoid caffeine and take beta-blockers to slow your heart rate.
• Low-dose chest CT scans for lung cancer screening typically don’t require special preparation.
• Virtual colonoscopy requires bowel preparation similar to a traditional colonoscopy.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or imaging center for your particular type of CT scan.

After Your CT Scan: Next Steps and Results

Once your CT scan is complete, you may wonder what happens next. Here’s what you can expect after your scan:

1. You can usually resume your normal activities immediately after the scan.
2. If you received IV contrast, you’ll be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush the contrast from your system.
3. A radiologist will analyze your CT images and prepare a report.
4. Your referring physician will receive the report and contact you to discuss the results.
5. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled based on the findings of your CT scan.

How long does it take to get CT scan results?

The time it takes to receive CT scan results can vary depending on the facility and the urgency of your case. In general, results are typically available within a few days to a week after the scan. For urgent cases, results may be available within hours. Your healthcare provider will inform you about when and how you’ll receive your results.

Ensuring Accurate CT Scan Results: Patient’s Role

As a patient, you play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of your CT scan. Here are some key ways you can contribute to obtaining the best possible results:

• Follow all preparation instructions carefully, including fasting and contrast agent consumption guidelines.
• Arrive on time for your appointment to allow for proper preparation and any necessary pre-scan procedures.
• Inform the CT technologist about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you’re taking.
• Remove all metal objects, including jewelry, before the scan.
• Remain as still as possible during the scan to prevent blurry images.
• Communicate any discomfort or concerns to the technologist during the procedure.
• Follow post-scan instructions, such as increasing fluid intake if you received IV contrast.

Can patient movement affect CT scan quality?

Yes, patient movement can significantly impact the quality of CT scan images. Even slight movements can cause blurring or artifacts in the images, potentially leading to misinterpretation or the need for a repeat scan. This is why it’s crucial to remain as still as possible during the CT scan procedure.

Addressing Common Concerns About CT Scans

Many patients have concerns or questions about CT scans, particularly regarding radiation exposure and the use of contrast agents. Let’s address some of these common concerns:

Are CT scans safe?

CT scans are generally considered safe when used appropriately. While they do involve exposure to ionizing radiation, the benefits of accurate diagnosis usually outweigh the potential risks. Medical professionals follow the ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) to minimize radiation exposure while still obtaining diagnostic-quality images.

Are there alternatives to CT scans?

Depending on the specific diagnostic needs, alternatives to CT scans may include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Ultrasound
• X-rays
• Nuclear medicine scans

Your healthcare provider will recommend the most appropriate imaging modality based on your specific medical condition and diagnostic requirements.

Can I have a CT scan if I’m pregnant?

CT scans are generally avoided during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary due to the potential risks of radiation exposure to the developing fetus. If a CT scan is deemed medically necessary during pregnancy, special precautions are taken to minimize fetal radiation exposure. Alternative imaging methods that don’t use ionizing radiation, such as ultrasound or MRI, are often preferred for pregnant patients when possible.

Technological Advancements in CT Imaging

The field of CT imaging is continuously evolving, with new technologies and techniques improving image quality, reducing radiation exposure, and expanding diagnostic capabilities. Some recent advancements include:

• Dual-energy CT: This technique uses two different energy levels to provide additional information about tissue composition and improve contrast between different types of tissues.
• Iterative reconstruction: This advanced image processing technique allows for high-quality images with lower radiation doses.
• 4D CT: This technology captures multiple 3D images over time, allowing for visualization of moving structures, such as the beating heart or breathing lungs.
• AI-assisted image analysis: Artificial intelligence algorithms are being developed to assist radiologists in detecting and characterizing abnormalities in CT images.

How do these advancements benefit patients?

These technological advancements in CT imaging offer several benefits to patients:

• Reduced radiation exposure
• Improved image quality for more accurate diagnoses
• Faster scan times, reducing the time patients need to remain still
• Enhanced ability to visualize and characterize complex anatomical structures and pathologies
• Potential for earlier detection of diseases and conditions

As CT technology continues to advance, patients can expect even more precise, safer, and less invasive diagnostic imaging options in the future.

What To Expect Before Your CT Scan: St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center | Steward Family Hospital

Below you will find information on what to expect before your CT Scan

• Medications: It is important for you to keep to your regular medication schedule. Please take all the medications that have been prescribed to you by your doctor. Just let our staff know what medications you have taken prior to your test. Please bring your list of medications with you to your appointment.
• Food and drink: You should not eat solid foods for two hours prior to your test if you are having a CT scan of your abdomen and/or pelvis, or if you are having any CT for which IV contrast will be injected. You may, however, drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, clear soups, juice, or black decaffeinated coffee or tea. We encourage you to drink plenty of fluids before your arrival to our department.
• When to arrive: If you are having a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis, you need to arrive two hours before your scheduled appointment. This is to allow time for you to drink barium sulfate before your exam and to ensure that the barium fluid completely coats your gastrointestinal tract. The barium helps to highlight body areas for the CT scan. If you are having a scan of a body part other than the abdomen you should arrive  30 minutes before your appointed time.
• Kidney function labwork before exam: Many CT scans require injection of intravenous contrast solution (dye). Many patients, including all patients over age 60 and certain patients with other medical conditions that can predispose to kidney disease, will need to have current kidney function labs within 30 days of imaging. If lab results are not available, patients may need to have blood drawn in the radiology department prior to imaging. This is for your safety, as patients with significantly diminished kidney function are at increased risk for kidney damage from IV contrast.
• What to wear: You should dress in comfortable clothing. If you are wearing jewelry or anything else that might interfere with your scan, we will ask you to remove it.
• Diabetic conditions: If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, please continue to take your insulin as prescribed, but be prepared to drink fruit juice as needed while you fast for two hours in preparation for your CT scan.
• Intravenous preparation: Many patients receive a contrast agent intravenously (IV) during their CT test. If your doctor or the radiologist has determined that this procedure will enhance your CT scan results, the technologist will place an IV in your arm or hand prior to going into the test.
• Hydration Protocol: Some patients with abnormal kidney lab values will require intravenous hydration to reduce the chance that IV contrast will cause kidney impairment, to which they are more susceptible. This requires a four hour stay in the radiology department and can only be accommodated by advance appointment during regular business hours. Sodium bicarbonate solution is used for gentle hydration before and after imaging.

What Is A CT Scan?

A CT scan is a valuable, painless imaging study that allows the radiologist to see a cross section or 3-D image of any part of the body.

Learn More

What will happen during my scan?

Learn what you will experience during your CT scan so you are prepared for your procedure.

Learn More

Learn more about the type of CT scan you are having.

• Abdomen / Pelvic
• Cardiac
• Chest
• Low-dose chest CT for lung cancer screening
• Head / temporal bone
• Sinus / orbital / facial
• Scan of the extremities
• Spine (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
• Virtual Colonoscopy

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• Appointment Preparation & Results

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What to Expect

• What to Expect at Your CT Scan
• How to Prepare for a CT Scan

You will be asked to fill out a short medical history questionnaire before your CT scan. Once completed, you may be asked to remove jewelry and metal objects, such as watches, necklaces, eyeglasses, and the like.

If your chest, abdomen, or pelvis are being scanned, you may need to change into a hospital gown. If the exam will use IV contrast, an IV line will be placed by the CT technologist once the patient is in the exam room (see general instructions). You will lie on a table that slides into the scanner.

Most CT exams take about five minutes. You will be required to remain still during this time.

General Instructions

Instructions for taking Oral Contrast (Barium Sulfate)

1. Do not eat or drink anything three hours prior to your appointment time.
2. Shake the contrast well before drinking. It does not need to be refrigerated, but tastes better when cold.
3. Begin drinking the contrast one and a half hours before your scheduled exam time. Drink one-third of a bottle every fifteen minutes. Save the last third and bring it with you to your appointment.

If you are taking the drug Glucophage (or something similar) for diabetes, please let the technologist know before you are scanned. If you are allergic to iodine or have had a reaction to CT dye in the past, please call as soon as possible to receive special instructions and medications.

Enteroclysis Drinking Instructions (Volumon Contrast )

1. Do not eat or drink three hours prior to your appointment time.
2. Shake the contrast well before drinking. It does not need to be refrigerated, but tastes better when cold.
3. Begin drinking the contrast one hour prior to your scheduled exam time. Drink first bottle in 20 min, drink second bottle in 20 min, and half of the third bottle in 20 min. Save the last half of the third bottle for visit to CT.

Intravenous Contrast (Dye) Allergies

If you previously had an allergic reaction to intravenous contrast (dye) for a CT scan, angiogram, or heart catheterization, you must take the 13-hour premedication preparation (doctor prescribed).

Enteroclysis

• For enteroclysis do not eat or drink 6 hours prior to your exam.

Biopsy/Drain Placements

• For biopsy or drain placement, do not eat or drink after midnight.

IV Sedation

If sedated by IV, you must do the following:

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight or eight hours previous.
• Bring someone to drive you home.

General Anesthesia

If the procedure will be performed while you are under general anesthesia (doctor prescribed), you must do the following:

• Arrive one and a half hours early to check into admitting.
• Do not eat or drink anything eight hours previous.

CT with contrast

Computed tomography with contrast is a procedure that is performed to study the functioning of the large vessels of the body that provide blood flow to most tissues and organs. In order for the aortas and veins to be better displayed on the screen of the device, a special contrast agent is used. The drug is taken on an empty stomach or injected directly into a vein.

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CT with contrast allows you to get a 3D image of the area under study, which makes it easy to determine the presence of formations, their contours and localization. The procedure is carried out in order to identify pathologies of the heart muscle and large vessels.

Contrast is performed by introducing a contrast agent into the body. Barium sulfate or gastrografin is used as the active ingredient. The second drug is considered safer, so it is used if necessary for surgical intervention. Gastrografin spreads quite quickly throughout the body and dissolves easily in liquid. If the active ingredient is taken orally, it is mixed with 1 liter of water. So, for the indicated unit of liquid, about 300 ml of barium sulfate and 10-20 ml of gastrografin are needed. Reception is made exclusively on an empty stomach one hour before the examination. If CT with contrast is focused on the study of organs and tissues outside the abdominal cavity, or it is simply necessary to amplify the signal, the active component is introduced into the body of the subject through a dropper. As a rule, it takes 15-25 seconds for the substance to travel from the cubital vein to the abdominal aorta. The tomograph automatically adjusts to the desired scanning mode and takes a series of images, starting from the patient’s head and ending with the legs.

CT scan with contrast is intended for examination of patients with the following pathologies:

• abscesses, cysts and other neoplasms;
• inflammatory changes in blood vessels, organs and tissues;
• impaired functioning of the liver, kidneys, intestines;
• pathological processes in the brain
• aneurysm and other deformities of large vessels.

Before a cardiac CT scan, the patient is additionally given drugs that reduce the heart rate. As a rule, beta-blockers are used for such purposes. They allow you to increase the accuracy of the analysis and thoroughly examine the structure of the heart muscle.

Despite the fact that computed tomography can diagnose diseases at an early stage, it is contraindicated for some people. So, it is highly undesirable to resort to the procedure if the patient suffers from heart failure. Such an examination is also contraindicated for people with an allergy to iodine. After the injection, they develop dizziness, shortness of breath, and nausea. In critical cases, in the presence of allergies, vomiting and loss of consciousness are possible.

In other cases, the use of contrast makes the diagnosis much more efficient. The diagnostic technique makes it possible to identify even minor pathologies and start treatment in a timely manner.

Barium x-ray | Diagnostic Center Health Clinic on Maroseyka

• X-ray of the stomach with barium

Study duration : 15 min.

Preparation for examination : yes

Contraindications : yes

Preparation of conclusion : 30-60 min.

Restrictions : Call

for details
Radiography with barium sulfate is aimed at studying the state of the gastrointestinal tract. The contrast medium facilitates the examination of the internal organs, their relief, contours and shape, dimensions.

Essence of the method

Hollow organs are difficult to fully visualize, so a mixture of barium is injected before scanning. It stains tissues that are shaded on x-rays. Thus, in the picture of the examination, the walls of the large intestine, parts of the small intestine, stomach, esophagus are clearly seen, and foci of pathologies are identified.

Indications for examination

The doctor issues a referral for diagnostics in case of the following complaints:

• Abdominal pain.
• Persistent diarrhea or constipation.
• Changes in the color and structure of feces.
• Admixture of blood in the stool.
• A sharp decrease in body weight.
• Intestinal gases.

Preparation for barium x-ray

If it is planned to inject barium sulfate before the X-ray, the patient should prepare in advance for the procedure:

• Follow the diet for 2-3 days. It is necessary to stop taking flour, dairy, spicy, smoked foods, legumes, black bread, carbonated drinks. Food should be easily digestible.
• For a day, cleanse the intestines with laxatives. The dosage and number of doses is calculated according to the instructions in accordance with the weight. With proper cleansing, an enema is not needed.

The barium x-ray is taken on an empty stomach in the morning, so you should not eat breakfast before the scan. You should leave jewelry at home, wear loose-fitting clothes without metal inserts.

How a barium x-ray is performed

First, the doctor injects a contrast agent. Usually 400-600 ml of barium sulfate solution is given in liquid form. The patient drinks it and waits for 10-15 minutes.

Next, the subject takes the desired position, scanning begins, which lasts 50-60 minutes. During this time, the patient lies motionless, and the device takes 6 to 10 shots to assess the state of the gastrointestinal tract in dynamics. If necessary, the doctor asks to roll over.

Barium is excreted from the body within 24 hours. To speed up, it is recommended to drink more non-carbonated water.

Where to get a barium x-ray

In the Health Clinic, located in the very center of the capital, the examination is carried out on modern high-precision expert-class equipment. Qualified doctors with extensive experience will carefully examine the internal organs and prepare images.

RECORDING FOR X-RAY WITH BARIUM

Patients of the Diagnostic Center are provided with free parking. Reservation of a place for a car is made no later than one hour before arrival at the clinic. You can get a consultation by phone: +7 (495) 628-22-05

Research results

Within an hour, a specialist from the Health Clinic interprets the images, and then hands them over to the patient. The attending physician, based on the results of the examination, establishes or refutes such diseases as stomach ulcers, tumors of various etiologies, protrusion of the gastric walls, intestinal obstruction, hernia, dyskinesia, etc.

Barium x-ray recording

To avoid queues and long waiting, you should pre-register for the procedure in a convenient way:

• By calling.
• Book an appointment through the website.

RECORDING FOR X-RAY WITH BARIUM

Contraindications

It is necessary to choose a different diagnostic method if there are the following restrictions on X-ray with barium:

• Pregnancy.
• barium intolerance.
• Bleeding in the intestines.

Barium x-ray price

It became possible to make an x-ray with barium cheaply in Moscow at the Health Clinic. Low prices, ongoing promotions and quality services attract visitors to our medical center.