Radiologist Questions Radiologist

How do I prepare for a lung CT scan?

I will have a lung CT scan. How do I prepare for a lung CT scan?

5 Answers

A CT of the lung will include the uppermost portion of the abdomen during inspiration. In this case, a portion of the upper abdominal organs will include the liver, spleen, pancreas, aorta, etc, and the gallbladder. To see what’s in the gallbladder we request our pts not eat or drink before the exams in order to look at the distended gallbladder.
YOU WILL GET INSTRUCTIONS WHICH MAY VARY WITH SITE, GIVING CONTRAST MATERIAL, GETTING BLOOD TEST
Is it with or without contrast? Call the diagnostic center where you are having it done. Without contrast, you can eat and drink. With contrast, no food or drinking 3 hours prior. Contact the facility to see what they recommend.



No preparation needed. If you use an inhaler, use it before study.
Show up on time. Make sure you have done your lab to check your kidney function if dye will be used with the CT and your doctor is concerned about your kidney function. If you take metformin, be sure to follow instructions about which days to skip taking it.