Preparation

Preparations for the CT scan start the day before the procedure is scheduled to take place.

IV drip

Before the CT scan, you will be given an iodinated contrast solution intravenously (IV), which will later be flushed out by the kidneys. Kidney damage is a rare side effect of this contrast solution. The risk of kidney damage is more common in patients with reduced kidney function and in people who do not drink enough water. Drinking well before and after the procedure will help to prevent kidney damage caused by this contrast solution.
Try to drink approximately two litres of water a day and make sure you consume enough salt (you can drink an extra cup of broth, if necessary). Do this the day before the procedure and in the 24 hours after the procedure. You don't have to drink extra on the day of the procedure, before the procedure.

If you are on a fluid restriction diet, you can drink less. This diet is more important for your health than drinking is for the procedure.

If you experience any health issues before the procedure that causes you to lose a lot of fluid (e.g. severe diarrhoea, vomiting, or high fever), contact your attending physician or the Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine. 

Before the contrast solution can be administered, we kindly ask that you print out and complete this checklist (checklist in Dutch) at home. If you don't have a printer, read through the questions anyway. You may have to call us before the procedure, or we may recommend having someone else drive you home afterwards.

Eating and drinking

You are not allowed to eat or drink one hour before the procedure (you may continue to take your medication as usual). We recommend having a light breakfast or lunch on the day of the CT scan.

Pregnant/breastfeeding

If you are pregnant or if you think you may be pregnant, please contact your attending physician. We will decide, in consultation with you and the radiologist, whether the procedure can be carried out as scheduled or whether it should be postponed or replaced with an alternative procedure.
If you are breastfeeding, you can continue to breastfeed your baby after the contrast solution is administered. 

Allergic to ionidated contrast solution

If you are allergic to iodinated contrast solution, the procedure may take one hour longer and you may not be able to drive for 24 hours. Click here for more information about these precautions (in Dutch). 

Clothing

It is more convenient for you and for us if you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that is easy to slip on and off. Depending on the type of procedure, you may be asked to remove garments that contain metal. 

Medication

Your attending physician may ask you to temporarily discontinue the use of certain medications. In most cases, however, you can continue taking your medication as usual. We do ask that you bring an up-to-date medical passport with you, which you can request for free from your pharmacy. 

Disability

If you think you may need extra time and/or attention during the procedure due to a disability, please let us know in advance. We will take this into consideration as much as possible. 

Stoma

If you have a stoma, we recommend taking an extra stoma bag with you. If you have an ileostomy, please notify the employee who brings you your water. In this case, you will be given less to drink.

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Patient care Patient examinations CT-scan with contrast solution via IV

What is a CT scan?

A CT scan uses X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the body, which can be used to examine a specific body part.

More information

How to make or cancel an appointment

Your attending physician will request your treatment and you will receive a notification. read more

How to make or cancel an appointment

Your attending physician will contact us to request a procedure or treatment. We will send you a notification.
If your procedure or treatment is scheduled to take place within the next fifteen weeks, we will notify you as soon as possible.
If you and your attending physician have agreed that the procedure will take place in a few months, you will be notified approximately fifteen weeks in advance (no sooner).

It's important to be on time; if you're late, the appointment may be cancelled. If you are unable to make the appointment, please contact us as soon as possible. You can call the Department of Radiology during office hours from 8.30 am to 5 pm on (024) 361 45 25. If possible, we will schedule a new appointment immediately.