Patient information

• Radiation is linked with a small risk of developing cancer. Your referring doctor will have decided that the benefits outweigh the risks.
• Ideally do not drink or eat anything for a few hours before your appointment, (unless you are diabetic) as oral contrast material may be used.
• For patients having abdominal scans, you may be asked to drink a clear liquid prior to the scan. Some patients may experience a feeling of bloating, and you may experience mild cramps or diarrhoea.
• Some CT exams may require the injection of an iodinated contrast medium in the vein. This will be introduced via a catheter placed into a vein. This will be done under sterile conditions, rarely the catheter can slip out of the vein and cause some pain and swelling.
• During the contrast infusion you may feel warm and get a metallic taste in your mouth. Some patients experience mild nausea for a few minutes.
• Allergic reactions are rare. They are treated accordingly.
  • Patients who are at higher risk of reactions include those who have had a prior documented allergic reaction or have allergies to other substances. You will be given a steriod preperation before the scan if required.
• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing without metal zippers or metal parts to your appointment. You may be given a gown to wear.
• Any metal objects (e.g. jewellery, hairclips, dentures and glasses) need to be removed before the scan as they may affect CT images. This may also include hearing aids, removable dental work, metal underwire from bras and other piercings.
• At the time of booking your appointment, please inform your doctor of all medications you are taking and if you have any allergies to avoid unnecessary delays. If you have a known allergy to contrast material or “dye” then your doctor may prescribe medication to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. This medication generally needs to be taken 13 hours prior to administration of contrast material.
• At the time of booking your appointment, we will let you know if you need to have a blood test done before coming for the scan especially over the age of 50.
• Please also inform your doctor of any other medical conditions or recent illnesses and if you have a history of diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease, asthma or thyroid problems. These conditions could increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.
• Please also inform your doctor if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.

Drink only clear liquids for the whole day (See list below)

• 08h00: take the first dose of Colo-Prep
• 15h00: drink 250 millilitres of Readikat
• 17h00: take the second dose of Colo-Prep
• 19h00: drink 60 millilitres of Gastrografin
• 20h00: use the Dulcolax

Have nothing to eat or drink

Please note that if a tablet needs to be taken use only a very small amount of water. You may eat and drink as usual after the procedure.

• Take sufficient clear liquids of your choice – this will accelerate the action of the prep and replenishes lost fluids preventing dehydration.
• It is advisable to remain near a toilet for at least an hour after the onset of bowel movement.

• Mix one sachet Colo-Prep (first dosage) with 50 millilitres lukewarm water and stir well.
• Pour the 50 millilitres Colo-Prep solution into 200 millilitres (or more) of a clear liquid of your choice. Stir until dissolved and drink slowly – this will help prevent nausea.
• Repeat steps 1-2 with the sachet (second dosage) at the time stipulated.

• Water
• Cold drinks (e.g. cola, lemonade, etc.)
• Fruit juices (no pulp)
• Tea and coffee (no milk)
• Clear soup and jelly
• Hard sweets are also allowed

• An ultrasound is harmless and painless and lasts about 10-15 minutes. This depends on the region being examined.
• You may need to get partially undressed and/or put on a gown. This depends on the region being examined.
• You may be asked to lie on your back or sit on a chair.
  An ultrasound gel is used to remove air between the patient and the probe.