Preparing for Your CT Exam
Head / Neck
- You’ll be asked to remove metal objects such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins, as they can interfere with the images.
- Hearing aids and removable dental work may also need to be taken out before your scan.
- Please leave all valuables at home.
Chest
- You will be asked to remove undergarments containing metal, such as bras with underwire.
- Avoid wearing low-hanging necklaces.
- You will be asked to change into a hospital gown for your exam.
Abdomen
- DO NOT eat solid foods for 4 hours before your exam. You may have clear fluids such as water or apple juice up to 2 hours prior.
- Plan for roughly 2 hours for your CT appointment.
- You may be asked to arrive 1 hour early for exam preparation, which could include drinking contrast solution to help enhance the images.
- Your technologist will guide you and explain each step to ensure you are comfortable and well-prepared.
Extremity
- No necessary preparation required.
- Please leave all valuables at home.