How can one prepare for a CT scan examination?
March 22, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Simon Kohlstein
Dear Doctor,
My name is Sophia Riedmüller and I have an appointment for a CT scan next week. I am a bit worried as I have never had such a procedure before and I am not sure what to expect.
My primary care physician referred me for the CT scan as I have been experiencing severe abdominal pain for some time and he wants to make a more accurate diagnosis. I have read some information about CT scans online, but I would like to hear from you how I can best prepare for the scan.
I would like to know if I need to stop taking certain medications before the scan or if I should follow a specific diet. Are there any risks I should be aware of before the scan? How long does the CT scan usually take and what does it feel like?
I am also concerned about whether the scan is painful or if there are any side effects I should be prepared for. Is there anything I should keep in mind during the scan to ensure the results are as accurate as possible?
I hope you can provide me with some tips on how to best prepare for the CT scan so I can feel more confident. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Sophia Riedmüller
Dear Mrs. Riedmüller,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as a radiologist. It is completely understandable that you may feel uncertain about your upcoming CT scan. I am happy to provide you with some information and tips on how to best prepare for the examination.
First and foremost, it is important to know that a CT scan is usually a painless procedure used to obtain detailed images of the inside of the body. You typically do not need to stop taking any specific medications before the scan, unless your treating physician has explicitly recommended it. A special diet is usually not required either.
However, it is advisable to remove all metallic objects such as jewelry, piercings, or belts before the examination, as they can affect the quality of the images. Additionally, it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing during the scan to help you feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible.
In terms of risks and side effects, a CT scan is a very safe procedure that typically does not result in serious complications. It is important, however, to inform the medical staff before the scan if you are pregnant or have an allergy to contrast agents, as this can affect the preparation and execution of the examination.
The duration of a CT scan varies depending on the type of scan and the body region being examined. However, the actual scan itself usually only takes a few minutes. During the scan, you will be moved on a table through a CT scanner that takes images of the inside of your body. You may hear a quiet buzzing or knocking sound during the scan, but do not worry, as this is normal and completely safe.
To ensure that the results of the CT scan are as accurate as possible, it is important to lie still during the scan and follow the instructions of the medical staff. You may be asked to follow specific breathing instructions to obtain clear images.
I hope this information has helped you feel more confident in preparing for your upcoming CT scan. If you have any further questions or need additional information, I am more than happy to assist.
Best regards,
Simon Kohlstein, Radiology Specialist.
