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What you need to do before a CT scan depends on which part of your body is going to be scanned. You may not have to do anything at all.
If your abdomen or pelvis is to be scanned, you will come along about 30 minutes to one hour before the test to drink a special liquid called contrast medium. This liquid outlines the stomach and the rest of the gut, to make the X-ray pictures clearer. You may be asked not to eat for a little while beforehand.
The hospital will send you full details with your appointment letter. If in doubt, please ask.
Tell the hospital as soon as possible if:
- you are being treated for diabetes, or you use an inhaler (you may need to follow some special instructions before the scan)
- you have any allergies
- you think you might be pregnant (X-rays can harm an unborn baby).
