Computed Tomography
Abdomen Pelvis Scan
What is a CT Scan of the Abdomen/Pelvis? A CT Scan is
sometimes referred to as a CAT Scan which is a noninvasive medical
test to diagnose medical conditions. A CT Scan combines
special x-ray equipment with sophisticated computers to produce
multiple cross sectional images of the inside of the
body. These cross-sectional images of the area being
scanned are examined on a computer monitor and can be transferred
to a CD.
A CT scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis can visualize internal
organs, bones, soft tissue and blood vessels to provide greater
clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exam.
How do I prepare for this Test? Please wear comfortable,
loose-fitting clothes for your exam. You may be asked to change
into a hospital gown for your comfort. You must not eat or
drink anything for 2 hours prior to your exam. If necessary,
you may take your daily medications with a small amount of
water. You will be asked arrive 1 hour prior to you
scheduled scan to drink an oral contrast in the Radiology
Department in preparation for your CT. You may use the bathroom
during exam prep time. Please bring a list of your current
medications and allergies. If necessary, we will make a copy
for your exam records. Please report to the Outpatient
Registration Department 1 hour prior to your scheduled exam
time. Outpatient Registration and Radiology Departments are
located on the first floor of Beverly Hospital, Lahey Outpatient
Center, Danvers and Addison Gilbert Hospital. The technologist will
greet you in the Radiology Department and escort you to the exam
room.
What to Expect During the Abdomen/Pelvis CT? You may be
asked to fill out paperwork which the Technologist will review with
you. The decision to administer IV contrast will be made by
your ordering MD and/or our Radiologist. The technologist will
position you on the table, usually lying on your back. If you
are receiving the intravenous (IV) contrast, an IV line will be
placed in a vein in your arm. You will feel a pin prick when
the needle is inserted. When the IV contrast is administered,
you may have a warm, flushed sensation and a metallic taste in your
mouth that lasts for a few minutes. You may also experience a
sensation like you have to urinate but this subsides quickly.
The table will move you through the scanner and tell you to hold
your breath. The first images are to determine the
correct starting and ending position for your scan. The table
will then move slowly through the scanner when the actual CT
scanning is being performed. The scanner will tell you to hold
your breath during the scanning process to eliminate motion
artifacts on the images. You will be alone in the exam room
when the CT scan is being performed unless there are special
circumstances. However, the technologist will always be able
to see, hear and speak with you at all times.
Testing Time: The entire examination is usually completed
within 15 minutes.
Risk of the Test: Be sure to notify the technologist if
there is any chance you may be pregnant or allergic to IV
contrast.
Following the Test: You will be instructed to drink plenty
of fluids to flush out the IV contrast. If you take a
regular dose of Glucophage (Metformin), you MUST discontinue taking
it for 48 hours following your exam. It is necessary to have a
blood test to determine that your kidneys are functioning properly
BEFORE you resume your Glucophage. We will fax your ordering
physician the paperwork to inform them of your need for the blood
test. You will also receive paperwork from the
technologist reminding you of this. The oral contrast
material given for Abdomen/Pelvis exam may cause loose stools for a
couple of hours after the exam. There are no other
restrictions following the test.
Results of the test: Your ordering physician will receive
the results in 24-48 hours. It is important to discuss the
results of the exam with your doctor.
