CT Abdomen/Pelvis

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create image slices of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissue inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than standard X-rays.

Depending on what your medical provider is looking for, this test may be ordered with or without IV contrast.

What Is Intravenous Contrast (IV) Media?

In order to see the blood vessels and body tissues on the scan, the imaging technologist must inject contrast media into a vein. Some people refer to this as "dye," although it's not like the dye you might use at home. These contrast media are liquid solutions that contain iodine and show up on X-rays. It leaves your body through the kidneys but will not change the color of your urine.

What to Bring

• Your medical provider’s order if they have not already sent it to us
• Personal ID
• Insurance card
• List of all your medications and dosages
• Any required screening forms

How to Prepare

• You should inform your medical provider if you have any allergies to contrast materials.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and avoid clothing with zippers, buttons or belts made of metal.
• Please leave valuable jewelry at home.
• If you are pregnant or think you might be, please inform the imaging technologist.
• If you have a history of kidney problems, you should inform the technologist.
• If you have had an adverse reaction during a prior CT, you should inform the technologist.
• If you are wearing an on-body medication pump, you should inform the technologist.

What to Expect

• This is a noninvasive exam.
• When you arrive, you will be given a cup of contrast to drink. This contrast will need time to move through your stomach and intestines. Therefore, you will need to wait between the time you drink and the time of your scan.
• During the exam you will be placed on a table and positioned inside the center of a large ring-like scanner. The machine makes a minimal amount of noise, and the table moves forward and backward. You will not experience any pain during the study.
• You may be asked to remove clothing and wear a gown during your exam.
• You may be asked to remove jewelry, glasses and any metal objects that may interfere with the images.
• If your medical provider ordered IV contrast, the imaging technologist will start an IV in a vein in your arm. The contrast will be injected through the IV and may make you feel warm or flushed.
• Please allow 1 hour and 45 minutes from the time you check in to the completion of the test.

Screening Forms for This Test

There are no screening forms required.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Scheduling between 7 am and 5:30 pm.
Hammond: (985) 230-7777
Livingston: (225) 686-4899

If you are a medical provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6781.