Preparation for the CT.
The test should be done on an empty stomach – at least 4 hours before the test, do not consume solid food. It is recommended to drink about 1 litre of still liquids. Before the examination you can take drugs, in case of treatment of chronic diseases it is recommended to take them according to the current indications. In the case of diabetes, this should be notified to the staff at the time of registration in order to be able to meet the deadline at a convenient time.
CT is performed with a non-ionic contrast medium.
Performing the CT test does not affect the ability to drive.
No phase of the menstrual cycle eliminates the possibility of performing the test. If you are not sure if you are pregnant, you should explain this when you enroll for the examination. As indicated in the radiological protection regulations, it is recommended to perform the test in women in the period up to 10 days of the cycle.
- in case of contrast tests (most CT tests) we ask for a creatinine level result in blood/eGFR. In the case of abnormal values, we recommend that you contact your doctor before coming to the examination, as abnormal results may prevent you from giving the contrast,
- in case of thyroid diseases, it is advisable to have a certificate from an endocrinologist confirming the absence of contraindications to the administration of a contrast medium (all preparations used in CT tests contain iodine) and to provide the latest results of hormonal tests of the thyroid gland.
On the day of the examination you should register about 20 minutes before the planned date.
What should be reported before the test is performed?
- Cases of drug or contrast medium sensitisation
- Cases of general sensitisation reactions occurring
- Chronic diseases treated and untreated, including: thyroid diseases, bronchial asthma and other respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases,
- haematopoietic (e. g. myeloma), kidney or liver failure, other
- Pregnancy or presumption of pregnancy
- The surgical procedures performed, specifying the type of surgical procedure
During the examination:
During the examination, the Patient is under constant observation of the staff of the CT Laboratory, with the possibility of verbal contact. If you feel unwell during the examination – e. g. dyspnoea, dizziness, nausea, others – you should report them immediately. Do not move during the test.
If the intravenous contrast medium is administered:
In most cases, CT examination requires intravenous administration of a contrast medium. It can cause fast-moving symptoms:
- the feeling of warmth and overcrowding of the bladder
- a strange taste in the mouth
- itching
- racing heart
- dizziness
In the case of persistence of the ailment, the CT personnel should be informed about it.
After the examination:
After the intravenous contrast medium examination, you should reserve about 15 minutes for the remaining time under the care of the Laboratory staff.i
- In order to facilitate the elimination of the contrast medium from the body, it is recommended to drink large amounts of fluids within the next 24 hours. In rare cases, nausea, rash or itching may occur after the examination with a contrast medium. It is advisable to report these symptoms as soon as possible to the doctor in the Laboratory or to the nearest medical unit.
- The result of the examination is a description made by a radiologist and electronic documentation placed on a CD/DVD (DICOM format) with additional software enabling its viewing using modern computer equipment at home or in a doctor’s office.