You will be asked to remove all jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures. For abdominal exams, your doctor should direct how long before the scan you should refrain from eating or drinking.

 

Let your physician know if you have had allergic reactions to a contrast medium, iodine or shellfish, or if you have asthma. Also inform the radiologic team if you have diabetes or take medication.

 

If contrast medium is used, it will be given either intravenously, or by mouth to coat the gastrointestinal tract. Most people tolerate the contrast medium without any problems and merely feel flushed for a moment.

 

Though the images are acquired within a few seconds, the entire exam takes about 15 to 30 minutes; longer if contrast medium is used.