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General Preparation for a CT Exam

CT exams fall into five general categories.

  • CT with contrast

  • CT without contrast
  • CT Colonography
       (Virtual Colonoscopy)

  • Coronary Calcium Scan
  • PET/CT

    • The preparation instructions for each is listed below.

    CT with Contrast

    • Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to your exam, with the exception of plain water or clear liquids.

    • Taking medication is allowed.

    CT without Contrast

    • You do not need to do anything to prepare for your exam.

    CT Colonography

    • The most important part of any CT colonography happens before you come to the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center. To get a good look at the lining of the colon, it is necessary to clean out any traces of food or other material.

    • This means you must maintain a restricted diet the day before your exam and take colon-cleaning medications.

    • A prep-kit with detailed instructions and the medication you need to take before your exam is available from us.

    • You can either pick up this prep-kit in person, or request that it be mailed to you. To request a prep-kit, or for more information, call (310) 423-3266.

    • It is important that you carefully follow the instructions given with the prep-kit.

    • If you have diabetes: please contact us before you begin the prep-kit: (310) 423-3266.

    Coronary Calcium Scan

    This scan does not require contrast.

    • Do not eat or drink 12 ours prior to exam with the exception of non-caloric liquids such as black coffee, diet soft drinks, plain water and tea.

    PET/CT

    CT contrast is sometimes given for this exam.

     PET scans require careful preparation, so please follow instructions carefully.

    (Diabetics should discuss the preparations with their doctor.)

    • 24 hours prior to your appointment

      • Refrain from consuming any caffeine, including any decaffeinated products for 24 hours prior to your exam. Note: Decaffeinated products still contain small amounts of caffeine.

    • 12 hours prior to your appointment

      • Stay on a low-carbohydrate diet. (See below for a guide on what to eat.)
      • Do NOT engage in any strenuous exercise.
      • Do NOT chew gum.
      • Avoid mints.

    • 6 hours prior to your appointment:

      • Do NOT eat anything.
      • Drink several glasses of water (2-6).
      • Take any prescribed medications as usual.
      • If you need to eat, please stick to a small protein-only meal.
      • If you are diabetic, please consult your doctor for questions regarding diet and medication.

    • Low-Carbohydrate Diet Guide:

       Foods allowed:

    • All meats
    • Tofu
    • Hard cheeses
    • Eggs
    • Unsweetened peanut butter
    • Oil, margarine, butter
    • Diet soda (be careful to avoid caffeine or decaffeinated sodas.)
    • Non-starchy vegetables (such as: broccoli, spinach, green beans.)

      • Foods not allowed:

    • Cereals
    • Breads
    • Pasta
    • Rice
    • Dry beans
    • Gravies
    • Fruit and fruit juices
    • Jams and jellies
    • Sugar and candy
    • Honey
    • Starchy vegetables (such as: peas, corn, potatoes)
    • Milk (including non-dairy milk)
    • Alcohol
    • Coffee or Tea