Preparing for Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

Things to note on the day of appointment

When to arrive

Please arrive 20 minutes before your appointment. In some cases, you are required to drink oral contrast prior to your scan so as to better visualise the bowels. You will be required to consume the contrast at stipulated timings upon your arrival at the department, thus you may need to wait at least 2 hours from your scheduled time when notified.

Blood Test

Creatinine serum blood test might be required to be done before your CT scan examination in order to check for your kidney function. Thus, you may need to wait at least 2 hours from your scheduled time when notified.

Clothing

Depending on the area to be examined, you will be required to change into a hospital gown. We may ask you to remove your jewelry, hair clips, or any other items that may interfere with the scan. A locker will be provided to place your belongings, but it is highly recommended to keep your valuables at home.

Ladies of child bearing age 

Females between 9 to 60 years old, you will be asked for the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP) if your CT procedure is required to include the pelvis region. If necessary, you will be asked to sign a high radiation dose CT consent form. For lower dose CT procedures, you may be asked if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Medical leave

Please note that no medical leave will be issued on the day of exam except for CT Colonography scan. An excuse chit can be given upon request.

Preparation

Depending on the CT procedure, intravenous injection of contrast material may be required to provide information of the blood vessels and organs. An intravenous plug will need to be inserted into a vein in your arm for injection of the contrast material. In line with using any medication or injection, there may be a small chance of developing an allergic reaction to the contrast. Therefore, it is important for you to inform the staff if you have had any form of contrast or allergic reaction prior to this scan.

How to prepare for a CT scan

CT Abdomen / Liver / Pancreas / Chest & Abdomen

• If you are pregnant or likely to be pregnant, please inform us to reschedule your appointment.
  

• If you had previous allergic reaction to CT contrast media, a doctor should have prescribed you prednisolone 30mg tablets to take 12 hours (1st dose) and 2 hours (2nd dose) before your scan.

Please inform us if you are allergic and have not been prescribed prednisolone.

Example of CT contrast media include: Iohexol (Omnipaque), Iopamidol (Isovue), Iopromide (Ultravist), Ioversol (Optiray), Ioxilan (Oxilan), Iodixanol (Visiaque).

• If you are on any other prescribed medication, continue your medication as prescribed by your doctor.
  

CT Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis / Abdomen & Pelvis

• If you are pregnant or likely to be pregnant, please inform us to reschedule your appointment.
  

• If you had previous allergic reaction to CT contrast media, a doctor should have prescribed you prednisolone 30mg tablets to take 12 hours (1st dose) and 2 hours (2nd dose) before your scan.

Please inform us if you are allergic and have not been prescribed prednisolone.

Example of CT contrast media include: Iohexol (Omnipaque), Iopamidol (Isovue), Iopromide (Ultravist), Ioversol (Optiray), Ioxilan (Oxilan), Iodixanol (Visiaque).

• If possible, please try not to empty your bladder after the 2nd drink. For patient with urinary bag, please clamp the bag.
  

• If you are on any other prescribed medication, continue your medication as prescribed by your doctor.

CT Colonography / Enterography

Preparation instructions will be provided by Radiology staff at the point of appointment. You may also find more information here. 

Other scans not indicated above

No specific preparation is required.

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