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What Do Abdominal CT Scans Show?
Once a provider orders your abdominal CT scan, the provider’s office will schedule the scan appointment.
They’ll likely advise you to avoid eating or drinking before the exam.
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You’ll also be instructed to wear loose, comfortable clothing and leave your jewelry at home.
The technologist will escort you to the CT table.
If you are having an abdominal CT scan with contrast, the technologist will administer it.
The total time for most CT scans is less than 10 minutes.
Once the CT scan is over, the technologist will have you remain in position.
Contrast dye is also useful in detecting injury to blood vessels.
Who Should Not Get a CT Scan?
Contrast dye can cause an allergic reaction.
Many imaging centers will assess kidney function by drawing blood and analyzing it.
If your kidney function is not optimal, they may consider alternative options.
Shellfish contains a small amount of iodine, an element also found in CT contrast dye.
However, the iodine in shellfish is different from iodine in contrast dye.
There is no evidence that an allergy to shellfish will increase the risk of a contrast dye reaction.
A provider might use contact dye depending on the rationale for ordering an abdominal CT scan.
Abdominal CT scans are typically quick, lasting about ten minutes.
National Cancer Institute.Computed tomography (CT) scans.
Rawson JV, Pelletier AL.When to order contrast-enhanced CT.Am Fam Physician.2013;88(5):312-316.
