Your healthcare doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast because they want an especially detailed look at a certain area of your body. A CT scan with contrast uses a special dye to highlight areas of study.
Contrast dye contains iodine, which helps any potential abnormalities to appear much more clearly on your CT results, compared to a CT without contrast. A CT scan with contrast is noninvasive and painless, and although some people will feel a warmth from the contrast agent, more serious side effects are rare.
In this short guide, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about what to expect before, during, and after your upcoming CT with contrast. Let’s start with what happens before your scan.
What to know before your CT scan with contrast
A CT scan with contrast shows detailed imagery of the body that gives healthcare providers information to help them understand medical conditions.
The scan itself is safe and noninvasive, although some people may experience minor side effects from the contrast agent.
Why did my doctor order a CT scan with contrast? What does contrast do?
Your doctor may recommend this test if they need highly detailed images of your organs, blood vessels, or tissues. The contrast is a dye that contains iodine, which helps areas of the body appear more clearly on the scan.
What Conditions Can a CT Scan with Contrast Help Show?
A CT scan with contrast can show detailed images and convey information about organs, bones, muscles, or blood vessels. Conditions that can be detected with a CT scan include but are not limited to:
- Benign or malignant tumors
- Bowel disorders
- Broken bones
- Blood clots
- Brain injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Injuries to the spine.
Does a CT scan with contrast require any special preparation?
Your doctor will give any special preparation instructions before the scan appointment. Here is what we recommend you keep in mind depending on your situation.
- Follow fasting instructions, if provided. Some patients may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the scan.
- Limit caffeine or certain medications, as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid wearing metal objects during the scan to ensure accurate results.
Pro Tip: If you’re sensitive to iodine, if you’re pregnant, or if you have other allergies, be sure to let your doctor know before your CT appointment, so they can adjust your scan accordingly.
What happens during a CT scan with contrast
During a CT scan with contrast, a CT technologist will take a series of x-rays. The contrast dye will highlight a targeted area of your body for clearer imaging.
A CT scan with contrast is noninvasive and painless, but the contrast agent may cause minor discomfort in some people.
How is contrast usually administered?
Contrast can be given in three ways:
- Intravenously (IV): Commonly used for blood vessel or organ imaging.
- Orally: For imaging the stomach or esophagus.
- Rectally: If the lower gastrointestinal tract is being examined.
Most often an IV will direct the contrast agent to the bloodstream, but if the esophagus or stomach are being studied, the contrast may be administered by drinking a liquid. If the lower gastrointestinal tract is being studied, an enema may be more effective.
What are the potential side effects of contrast?
Some people experience minor symptoms like itching, a metallic taste in the mouth, headache, or nausea. More serious side effects can include shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of the throat, or seizures.
If you’re allergic to iodine, or if you have any other allergies, you should discuss these with your healthcare provider before the scan.
How long does a CT scan with contrast take?
Your CT scan with contrast will take about an hour, depending on the kind of CT scan you’re having, on the area of the body being imaged, and on your circumstances. This includes time for preparation, the scan itself, and monitoring afterward.
The imaging process takes about the same time as a CT scan without contrast, but a CT with contrast takes a little longer to prepare, and to confirm you don’t have a bad reaction to the contrast dye.
What should I expect during a CT scan with contrast?
During a CT scan with contrast, you may be asked to change into a gown. Once you’re ready for your scan, you’ll receive the contrast dye, likely through an IV drip.
After that, you’ll lie down on a bed-like table that slowly slides into the CT machine, which is large and donut shaped. Your CT technologist will then adjust your position to ensure that you get the most accurate images available.
When you’re in the right position, the technologist may ask you to hold your breath for a moment, or to hold completely still, which helps them to take clear images. During the scan, you’ll be able to communicate with your technologist the entire time, using an intercom inside the CT machine.
What to expect after your CT scan with contrast
Following a CT scan with contrast, you will be monitored for a short time to ensure there are no serious side effects from the contrast dye. Staying hydrated is important to flush the dye out of your system.
In most cases there are no restrictions on eating or drinking, and you can return to normal activities. If side effects persist, contact your doctor.
Why is hydration important after the scan?
Drinking plenty of fluids helps your kidneys efficiently and effectively flush out the contrast dye from your body, through urination.
Any side effects you may experience, like having a metallic taste in your mouth, will go away once you’ve flushed the contrast out of your body.
Is it OK to drive myself home after a CT scan with contrast?
If you are feeling well after the scan, and if you haven’t taken a sedative for your scan, then you can probably drive yourself home.
You’ll have to wait a little while after your scan before you can leave, because you’ll be observed to confirm you don’t have any negative reactions to the contrast.
However, if you have been given a sedative for your scan, then you should plan to have someone else drive you home.
What should I do if I notice any after effects from the contrast?
If you notice after effects from the contrast, be sure to contact your doctor to let them know what you are feeling, so they can advise you on the next steps to support your care. You should contact your doctor immediately if your symptoms get worse over time.
How long will it take to get my CT results? Who will analyze my results?
The results of CT scans with contrast are analyzed by a specialized radiologist, who is a trained in interpreting the results from scans.
The radiologist will write a report on findings from the scan and share them with your doctor, who will contact you about the results. It will take about a week or so before you hear back.
After that, your doctor will discuss the results with you, either in person, over the phone, or through your healthcare portal.
How to schedule a CT appointment with us
Reach out to us at American Health Imaging, and we’ll help you schedule an appointment at an imaging center near you, today.
We’re here to help you get the answers you need.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Why would my healthcare doctor recommend a CT scan with contrast?
A: A CT scan with contrast provides detailed images to help identify or monitor specific conditions that might not be visible on a standard CT scan.
Q: What does contrast do in a CT scan?
A: Contrast enhances the visibility of blood vessels, organs, and tissues, making it easier for doctors to detect abnormalities.
Q: Do I need to prepare in any special way for a CT scan with contrast?
A: You may need to fast for a few hours, and inform your doctor about allergies or medical conditions, beforehand.
Q: Are there things I should avoid before a CT scan with contrast?
A: Yes, you should avoid eating, drinking caffeinated beverages, and taking specific medications, as instructed by your healthcare doctor.
Q: How is the contrast material given during a CT scan?
A: Contrast is usually administered through an intravenous injection, orally, or in rare cases, rectally, depending on the area being examined.
Q: What side effects might I experience from the contrast?
A: Some people may experience a warm sensation, metallic taste, or mild nausea, but serious reactions are rare.
Q: Is it safe to drive myself home after a CT scan with contrast?
A: In most cases, it’s safe to drive, but if you feel unwell or have been given sedatives, you should arrange for someone to drive you.
Q: Why is it important to drink water after a CT scan with contrast?
A: Drinking fluids helps flush the contrast material from your body and supports kidney function.
Q: Why is a CT scan with contrast more effective than a standard CT scan?
A: Contrast dye enhances the visibility of specific areas, making it easier for your doctor to detect abnormalities.
Q: Are there risks associated with CT scans with contrast?
A: While the procedure is safe for most people, discuss any allergies or medical conditions with your doctor beforehand.
Q: What should I do if I feel unwell after my CT scan?
A: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience worsening symptoms or side effects.