CT Scan of the Abdomen/Liver/Pancreas with Contrast
What is a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast?
Your doctor has suggested you/your child have a CT scan with contrast as part of the evaluation at National Jewish Health. A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the abdomen, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the abdominal structures in your body. The abdominal structures include your liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, GI tract, and the area around these organs. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the abdomen, these structures are highlighted even more.
CT scans can help determine a diagnosis early. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.
How do you get ready for the test?
Do not eat 4 hours before the test is scheduled. You/your child may drink clear fluids only. It is important that you drink enough clear liquids (like water) to be well hydrated prior to the test.
You will be given a gown and scrub pants to wear.
Avoid having any barium studies done for one week before the CT scan.
Talk with your doctor before the test if you have a history of reactions to contrast in the past.
If you have not had a recent blood test for creatinine, a finger-poke blood test may be done just prior to your scan.
You will receive a phone call from the radiology department on the night before your test to tell you what time to arrive. If you do not receive a call, please contact radiology directly at 303.398.1611 between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
You may be required to drink dilute barium for two hours prior to your scan.
What is done during the test?
The radiology technologist will explain the CT scan with contrast to you before you start. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Before the study you/your child will need to remove all clothing and change into a hospital gown and pants. The technologist will start an IV. The IV will be used to give you the contrast media. The contrast media will be injected into the IV. The CT scan does not hurt. You will feel a prick when the IV is started. Many people feel a warm “flush” as the contrast media is injected. This is normal and passes quickly.
The CT scanner includes a table you will lie on and a doughnut shaped ring. You will lie still on the table while it advances through the ring. The technologist will give you instructions during the test. You will be asked to raise your arms above your head sometimes. You will also be asked to hold your breath for 10 to 12 seconds. While you hold your breath the table will move through the ring while pictures are taken. The pictures will be taken before, during and after the contrast media is injected into the IV. It is important to lie still while the images are taken.
Young children may have trouble lying still during the CT scan. If this is the case the child may be given medicine to make him or her sleepy first. This is done is the Pediatric Care Unit. If this is done first, a nurse will also be at the CT scan. If you are concerned your young child may not be able to hold still talk with your doctor before the CT scan.
What should you do after the test?
Drink extra fluids for several hours after the test.
How long will the test take?
A CT scan of the abdomen, liver and pancreas with contrast takes about 40 minutes. This includes 20 minutes for the test and 20 minutes for preparation.
How do you get to your test?
Your appointment is in radiology. Radiology is in on the third floor of the Smith Building. On the day of your test, first report to the Admissions Desk just inside the Main Entrance. Admissions will direct you to the appropriate location for your test.
If you have questions, or will not be able to make your appointment, please call: 303.398.1611.