Radiology

1. No preparation for non-contrast CT Scan.
2. If contrast medium injection is required, do not take solid food for 3 hours before the examination.
3. If you have any history of food or drug allergies (particularly CT contrast medium or iodine), please inform your healthcare provider. Pre-medication may be needed.
4. Serum Creatinine level within 1 year is required for patient aged 60 or above. Please check with your healthcare provider.
5. Diabetic medication should be temporarily discontinued on the day of examination. Serum Creatinine level within 1 year is required for diabetic patient on Metformin. You will be instructed by our department upon appointment. Please check with your healthcare provider.
6. You are advised to wear comfortable loose clothes. You may be asked to change into a gown. Jewellery and metallic objects within the region of examination have to be removed. It is recommended you leave your valuables at home to avoid concerns about them during the examination.

The CT scan itself only takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Please allow 30 to 45 minutes for examination preparation. You will be informed the actual arrival time when you make the appointment.

Upon arrival to the department, clinical history related to the examination will be asked. For some examinations, you may be required to drink water or oral contrast medium before the scan. 

For contrast-enhanced examinations, IV line will be placed by the nurse before you enter the scan room. Contrast medium will be injected during the examination. You will be asked to lie on the CT scan table during the examination. The CT scan table will move into and out from the gantry (doughnut-shape component of the CT scanner) during positioning and actual scanning. You may hear gentle sound from the scanner. 

To ensure the best quality of the scan, it is important for you keep still and follow the breath-holding instruction during the procedure. 

During the examination, CT radiographers will monitor you through the glass window. You will be able to communicate with them through intercom. A typical diagnostic CT examination takes about 10 to 15 minutes. 

Please note that some examinations use different CT scanners in different rooms. This means that while you are waiting, it might look like some other patients are going ahead of you, but this is not the case. In addition, priority is given to emergency cases, and the schedule may not be able to be kept strictly.

For contrast-enhanced examination, you can resume your diet. Drink plenty of fluids to facilitate passing the contrast medium. Normal activities can be resumed.