How Do I Prepare For a CT Scan? | Progressive Diagnostic Imaging Morris County NJ

When preparing for your Cat Scan (also known as CT Scan), the first thing a patient should do is take all his or her doctor prescribed appropriate medications. The last thing a patient needs to happen before their test is a health issue like raised blood pressure because that patient did not take their medication for the day.

A Cat Scan is basically an X-ray and will not interfere with most if not all a patient’s medications. Just to be one hundred percent sure, please check with your doctor and the technician performing the exam a couple of days in advance. The second thing is to wear comfortable clothing such as sweats or gym clothes, so you are nice and relaxed. The scan time for CT Scans are generally very short, but why be uncomfortable while you are laying there?  Also, avoid wearing necklaces or earrings with scans that target your neck or head regions, this will assure no interference such as an artifact on the images being taken. An artifact is a bright light on the image that can happen from some jewelry.

Lastly, if you are having a CT Scan with contrast, make sure to stay hydrated and avoid eating for up to two hours prior to exams this will help the contrast flow more freely around your body and assure that we get a bright clear area of interest for the doctor. Speaking of hydration, always make sure to go to the bathroom one more time while you are in the waiting room. This will help your anxiety and assure we don’t have to take you out of the machine right after we get you set up for your exam.

Progressive Diagnostic Imaging offers the highest quality Cat Scan available to Riverdale and Morris County NJ. Contact us today to schedule yours!