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Before the CT Pelvic Scan
Before a patient can undergo a CT scan, he or she must obtain a written referral
from their general physician stating why the patient requires the scan. The
patient will then undergo the CT scan at either a hospital or at an outpatient
radiology center.
Prior to the actual CT scan, some patients may require an injection of a contrast
material, such as barium, to increase visibility. This contrast material has
a different opacity than the soft tissues of the body, and will make the soft
tissues “stand out” on the CT images. Contrast material is injected into the
patient through a small needle attached to an intravenous line. This intravaneous
line is inserted into a vein in the hand or arm. In some cases, the contrast
material may be given by mouth or through an enema. Sometimes, all three methods
of contrast material are used.
A CT pelvic scan sometimes has a set of specific preparations that the patient
must follow. These can include:
- Drinking a special drink before the scan to help to illuminate the stomach
and bowel more clearly.
- Having some fluid inserted into the rectum
- Inserting a tampon into the vagina
- Fasting for up to 4 hours before the scan
- Drinking barium or iodine-based dye to opacify the bowle; this can be drank
1-2 hours before the scan, then again at 10 minutes to the scan
- Undergoing a small enema
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