CT Scan

Preparation will vary depending on testing site and area being scanned.  If you have questions about CT scan preparation it is best to contact the location directly as they will have the most accurate and up to date information.  

General prep for all locations:

Limit the amount of jewelry and clothing items containing metal.  You will be asked to remove any metal, jewelry, and piercings prior to the scan.  

You must bring your Ontario Health Card to your appointment.

Patients must be able to consent to the procedure.  If language is a barrier, please bring an interpreter.

If you are unable to keep your appointment, please give at least 24 hours notice to avoid late cancellation fees.

Specific preparations:

Cambridge Memorial Hospital

Abdomen/Pelvis: Pick up E-Z-Cat in Diagnostic Imaging Department at least 1 day prior to exam date. Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to exam time. Start drinking E-Z-Cat 1 hour prior to exam time, finishing ½ hour before exam time.

Small Bowel Enterography and Colonography: Pick up instructions from the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the hospital at least 3 days prior to the exam date

All other exams: Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to exam.

Grand River Hospital

All Exams: No solid foods 4 hours prior to exam time.

Pediatric patients with sedation: Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to exam time

Pediatric patients without sedation: Nothing to eat or drink 2 hours prior to exam time

Colonography: Instruction sheets will be mailed to patient

Groves Memorial Community Hospital & Guelph General Hospital

All exams: Nothing to eat 3 hours prior to exam. Drink 2 x 12oz glasses of water prior to exam. You may void as needed as a full bladder in not required.

Abdomen/Pelvis: Pick up Readicat in Diagnostic Imaging Department at least 1 day prior to exam date. Nothing to eat 3 hours prior to exam time. Start drinking Readicat 2 hours prior to exam time. Drink slowly to finish ½ hour before exam time.

Small Bowel Enterography: Exam will last up to 1.5 hours. Clear fluids only for 24 hours. Take 1 bottle of Citromag (296 ml) at 4:00 pm the day before the examination. Citromag can be purchased at the pharmacy.

Colonography: Pick up prep and instructions from the Diagnostic Imaging Department at the hospital at least 3 days prior to the exam date

St Mary's Hospital

All Exams: No solid foods 4 hours prior to exam time.