CT Abdomen Plain

If your doctor has recommended a CT Abdomen Plain, you may wonder what the scan involves, how to prepare, and what information it reveals. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we combine leading-edge 128-slice CT scanners with compassionate care to deliver crisp images in minutes—helping you and your clinician make confident health decisions faster.

A CT Abdomen Plain—short for computed tomography of the abdomen and pelvis without contrast—is a painless imaging test that uses low-dose X-rays to capture cross-sectional pictures of your:

• Liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen
• Kidneys, ureters, bladder
• Stomach, small & large intestine
• Uterus, ovaries, prostate (depending on anatomy) The rotating scanner circles your body in seconds, and advanced software stitches images into 3D “slices” so radiologists can spot even millimetre-sized abnormalities.

1. CT Abdomen Plain – no contrast (ideal for kidney stones, trauma)
2. CT Abdomen & Pelvis with contrast – iodine dye improves soft-tissue detail
3. CT triple-phase liver – timed contrast for liver tumours
4. CT virtual colonoscopy – non-invasive bowel cancer screening

• Organ size, shape, and symmetry
• Presence of calcifications, cysts, or masses
• Fat-stranding or fluid collections
• Vascular patency (aorta, IVC)
• Lymph node enlargement
• Bone integrity of spine and pelvis

Typical referral triggers

• Unexplained abdominal pain lasting >48 hours
• Sudden weight loss, blood in stool, or persistent nausea
• Suspected kidney stones or appendicitis
• Follow-up after injury or surgery
• Cancer staging or treatment monitoring

Who benefits most?

• Adults (18–75 yrs) with acute or chronic abdominal symptoms
• Post-operative patients checking for complications
• Individuals with a family history of gastrointestinal or genitourinary malignancies

• Diagnose sudden-onset pain (appendicitis, diverticulitis)
• Detect tumours early
• Evaluate injury after accidents
• Plan surgery or biopsy
• Monitor chronic conditions (Crohn’s, cancer remission)

• Speed: 5–10 minutes total scan time
• Accuracy: 0.5 mm resolution detects lesions <5 mm
• Non-invasive: No tubes or scopes
• Same-day report with Cadabams Express™ workflow
• Digital access to images within 30 minutes via secure portal

• Kidney & ureteric stones
• Liver cirrhosis, fatty liver, tumours
• Pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer
• Appendicitis, diverticulitis, bowel obstruction
• Ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, prostate enlargement
• Abdominal aortic aneurysm

4 hours before

• Fast (clear fluids allowed) if contrast is planned
• Wear loose, metal-free clothing
• Remove jewellery, belts, and hearing aids

• Doctor’s prescription
• Recent serum creatinine (within 30 days) if contrast is indicated
• Pregnancy test for females of child-bearing age (as per safety protocol)

• Morning slots for fasting compliance
• Same-day referrals accepted at Cadabams Diagnostics until 7 pm
• Avoid scheduling 2–3 days before menstrual period if scan includes pelvis for detailed uterine imaging

• Adults ≥18 years (paediatric cases reviewed by specialist radiologist)
• BMI < 200 kg (table limit)
• No severe renal failure (eGFR > 30 mL/min/1.73 m² for contrast studies)

1. Check-in – Present ID and prescription at Cadabams front desk.
2. Pre-scan questionnaire – Allergies, kidney function, pregnancy status.
3. Positioning – Lie supine on the scanner table; straps ensure stillness.
4. Breath-hold coaching – 5-second holds per slice for image clarity.
5. Scan – Table glides through the doughnut-shaped gantry in <30 seconds.
6. Post-scan observation – 10 minutes if contrast was used.
7. Home – Resume normal diet and activity immediately.

• Inform staff of iodine allergy or previous contrast reactions.
• Diabetic patients on metformin should withhold dose day-of test.
• Bring a companion if you have severe anxiety or claustrophobia.

Minimal risks

• Radiation dose: Equivalent to ~6 months of natural background exposure
• Pregnancy: Not advised for expectant mothers unless absolutely essential

Key limitations

• May miss subtle bowel inflammation without contrast
• Claustrophobia can be managed with open-bore scanners at Cadabams Diagnostics