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