CT Scan of the Abdomen/Liver/Pancreas with Contrast

A CT or CAT scan is a shortened name for computerized tomography. A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than a typical x-ray. During a CT scan of the abdomen, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the abdominal structures in your body. The abdominal structures include your liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, GI tract, and the area around these organs. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the abdomen, these structures are highlighted even more.

CT scans can help determine a diagnosis early. Your doctor will use this information to determine the best treatment for you.

Preparing for the Test

Do not eat within 4 hours before the test is scheduled. You/your child may drink clear fluids only. It is important that you drink enough clear liquids (like water) to be well hydrated prior to the test.
You will be given a gown and scrub pants to wear.
Avoid having any barium studies done for one week before the CT scan.
Talk with your doctor before the test if you have a history of reactions to contrast in the past.
If you take metformin or metformin-containing drugs for diabetes (Glucophage, Glucovance, Janumet, etc.), discuss this with your doctor prior to your CT appointment.
There are specific requirements for you following your scan.
If you have not had a recent blood test for creatinine, a finger-poke blood test will be done just prior to your scan.
You will receive a phone call from the radiology department on the night before your test to tell you what time to arrive. If you do not receive a call, please contact radiology directly at 303.398.1611 between 7:00am and 6:00pm.
You may be required to drink diluted barium for two hours prior to your scan.

During the Test

The radiology technologist will explain the CT scan with contrast to you before you start. Ask questions if you don’t understand. Before the study you/your child will need to remove all clothing and change into a hospital gown and pants. The technologist will start an IV. The IV will be used to give you the contrast media. The contrast media will be injected into the IV. The CT scan does not hurt. You will feel a prick when the IV is started. Many people feel a warm “flush” as the contrast media is injected. This is normal and passes quickly.

The CT scanner includes a table you will lie on and a doughnut-shaped ring. You will lie still on the table while it advances through the ring. The technologist will give you instructions during the test. You will be asked to raise your arms above your head sometimes. You also will be asked to hold your breath for 10 to 12 seconds. While you hold your breath, the table will move through the ring while pictures are taken. The pictures will be taken before, during, and after the contrast media is injected into the IV. It is important to lie still while the images are taken.

Young children may have trouble lying still during the CT scan. If this is the case, the child may be given medicine to make him or her sleepy first. This is done is the Pediatric Care Unit. If this is done first, a nurse will also be at the CT scan. If you are concerned your young child may not be able to hold still, talk with your doctor before the CT scan.

After the Test

Drink extra fluids for several hours after the test.

Length of the Test

A CT scan of the abdomen, liver, and pancreas with contrast takes about 40 minutes. This includes 20 minutes for the test and 20 minutes for preparation.

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