| What preparation is necessary?
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| Will I need an injection?
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| How long does the exam take?
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What preparation is necessary?
You may be asked to drink a flavored liquid which highlights the intestine and helps to differentiate it from other internal organs. We also may ask you not to eat solid food or drink fluids less than four hours prior to your exam. Essential medication may be taken with a small amount of water.
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Will I need an injection?
Some CT scans are most informative when “dye” is used. Your physician and our radiologists make the decision for its use on a case by case basis to best meet your needs. The “dye” injection is a clear liquid contrast agent containing iodine. It enhances the soft tissues and helps to define abnormalities. It is essential in visualizing the blood supply to internal organs. The contrast is excreted by the kidneys within several hours. We use only non-ionic contrast, a safe agent with very few side effects. If you are being treated for asthma or have a history of a reaction to a previous iodine contrast injection, be sure to inform our scheduler.
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How long does the exam take?
The MultiSlice helical CT scan is very fast. Once you are on the CT table, the scans are performed during a single breath hold, usually 20 – 30 seconds. The total exam time will be determined by the amount of anatomic coverage your particular exam requires. Typical examinations take between 15 minutes and one hour.
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