Patient Preparation for CT

Hi there! We are excited to welcome you for your upcoming CT examination at Mass General Brigham. Here is what you need to know about preparation – you can press play to hear the instructions or read them below.

      

How you prepare

Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may be asked to:

  • Take off some or all of your clothing and wear a hospital gown
  • Remove metal objects, such as a belt, jewelry, dentures and eyeglasses, which might interfere with image results
  • Refrain from eating or drinking for a few hours before your scan

Contrast material

A special dye called contrast material is needed for some CT scans to help highlight the areas of your body being examined. The contrast material blocks X-rays and appears white on images, which can help emphasize blood vessels, intestines or other structures.

Contrast material might be given to you:

  • By mouth. If your esophagus or stomach is being scanned, you may need to swallow a liquid that contains contrast material. This drink may taste unpleasant.
  • By injection. Contrast agents can be injected through a vein in your arm to help your gallbladder, urinary tract, liver or blood vessels stand out on the images. You may experience a feeling of warmth during the injection or a metallic taste in your mouth.
  • By enema. A contrast material may be inserted in your rectum to help visualize your intestines. This procedure can make you feel bloated and uncomfortable.