CT Scan of the Chest with Contrast
What is a CT scan of the chest with contrast?
How do you get ready for the test?
What is done during the test?
What should you do after the test?
How long will the test take?
How do you get to your test?
What is a CT scan of the chest with contrast?
Your doctor has suggested you/your child have a CT scan with contrast as part of the evaluation at National Jewish Health. 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 chest, pictures are taken of cross sections or slices of the thoracic structures in your body. The thoracic structures include your lungs, heart and the bones around these areas. When contrast is used during a CT scan of the chest thoracic 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.
How do you get ready for the test?
- You doctor will draw blood within 2 weeks of the CT scan with contrast to see how well your kidneys are functioning. The labs drawn will include BUN and creatinine.
- Do not eat 4 hours before the test is scheduled. You/your child may drink clear fluids only.
- Wear clothing you can remove from the waist up. You will be given a gown to wear.
- Avoid having any barium studies done 2 to 3 days before the CT scan.
- Talk with your doctor before the test if you have a history of reactions to contrast in the past.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before the test is scheduled. The radiology technologist will ask you questions and have you complete a questionnaire.
What is done 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 jewelry from the waist up. You will be given a hospital gown to wear. 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 that will move over the table. You will lie still on the table. The technologist will give you instructions during the test. You will be asked to raise your arms above your head sometimes. You will also 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.
What should you do after the test?
Drink extra fluids for several hours after the test.
How long will the test take?
A CT scan of the chest with contrast takes about 1 hour. This includes 30 to 40 minutes for the test and 20 minutes for preparation.
How do you get to your test?
Your appointment is in radiology. Radiology is in the basement of the May building.
On the day of your test, first report to the Admissions Desk just inside the Main Entrance. Then, take the elevator in the lobby just north of the Main Entrance down one floor to the basement. Follow the signs to radiology (left down the hall, then right to the radiology reception and check-in area).
If you have questions, or will not be able to make your appointment, please call: 303-398-1611.
Get directions to and see a campus map of National Jewish Health.
This information has been approved by John Newell, M.D., and Will Cook, R.T., M.A. (June 2006)
