CT SCAN

Computed Tomography or CT Scan is used for anatomical localisation of cancer in the body. During the scan, intravenous contrast is injected (unless creatinine is high / history of prior allergy) and by viewing the images, the doctor will be able to see whether the cancer involves the adjacent organs, how to approach the cancer if surgery is needed.

Preparation for CT Scan Abdomen

  • Fasting: 4 to 6 hours of fasting is a must. Overnight fasting is preferred. During the period of fasting, drinking plain water is allowed.
  • Advice for Diabetics: You must get up early enough to eat a light breakfast at least six hours before your scheduled CT scan time. It is preferred that you take your diabetic medications at least six hours (minimum four hours) before your scan. You can then have only water until your CT scan.
  • Other Medication: Other routine medications (thyroid, blood pressure tablets etc) may be taken.
  • Creatinine and Urea Tests: It is mandatory to have blood test results for Serum Creatinine and Urea, the day before the CT. If creatinine value is high, we will talk with your doctor on how to proceed further.
  • Clinical Records: While coming for CT scan please carry all your old medical records for reference (Doctor’s prescription, treatment summary, discharge papers, surgery details, biopsy / post surgery histopathology reports etc). These details help our doctors give your case-specific diagnostic report.
  • Old CT / MRI reports: If any prior CT scan has been performed, kindly do not forget to bring scan images in CD and the reports. CD images of the previous CT scan helps our doctors compare images side by side and get to know your present status

Time Taken for the CT Scan

  • The entire CT Scan procedure takes around 3-4 hours.
  • Arrive 15-30 minutes before your CT scan.
  • Verification of Documents: After reaching the center, our reception staff will verify your documents and guide you.
  • Checking Vitals: Our Technical Team will then check the patient’s vitals, to rule out common problems such as a fever, high BP and then do a Blood Glucose Test on spot to ensure the viability for your scan.
  • Administration of the tracer: Tracer (FDG) will be administered next and you will have to wait for 45 minutes to 2 hours for the tracer uptake in your body.
  • CT Scanning: You will have to lie down still in the machine for 15-20 minutes and follow the breath-holding instructions given to you.
  • IV Contrast and CECT Scan: Unless CT contrast is contraindicated or creatinine is high, CT contrast will then be injected via an IV cannula. After contrast is injected, the Contrast CT Scan is conducted which lasts 3 to 5 mins.
  • Additional Sequencing (If Required): If necessitated by the nuclear physician, you may be required to spend an additional few minutes in the machine after the routine scan for delayed phase acquisitions.
  • Wait for Reports: Since CT Scan is a detailed investigation, our team of doctors will review and report your study within 24-48 working hours. You will get an SMS as soon as the Scan report is finalized.

After Scan Instructions:

  • Drink plenty of water for 24 hours after the study
  • Routine work can be done
  • Continue diet and all medications as prescribed by your physician.
  • In general, the injection causes no side effects, how in case of any discomfort (Fever, rash, difficulty breathing), kindly take immediate help from family physician, referring doctor / nuclear physician.
  • In case of nursing mother, breastfeeding and contact with young children can be avoided for 24 hours after the sca