CT Contrast

A CT CONTRAST scan is a painless, advanced imaging test that uses X-rays and a special dye to create crystal-clear pictures of your organs and blood vessels. At Cadabams Diagnostics, we combine cutting-edge 128-slice CT scanners with compassionate care, ensuring every patient feels supported from booking to results.

A CT scan with contrast—also called a contrast-enhanced CT—involves drinking or injecting an iodine-based dye before the scan. The dye highlights blood flow and tissue differences, making abnormalities easier to spot than on a standard CT scan.

• How it works: The dye absorbs X-rays differently than tissue, lighting up blood vessels, tumours, inflammation, and infections.
• Duration: 10–30 minutes, including preparation.
• Comfort: The procedure is non-invasive; you simply lie still on the scanner bed.

1. CECT Abdomen – evaluates liver, kidneys, pancreas
2. CT Angiography – maps blood vessels for clots or aneurysms
3. CT Chest with Contrast – detects lung nodules, infections
4. CT Brain with Contrast – identifies tumours, stroke, bleeding
5. CT Urography – assesses urinary tract stones and cancers

• Slice thickness: 0.625 mm for high-resolution
• Contrast timing: Arterial, venous, and delayed phases
• Contrast volume: Tailored to weight and kidney function
• Reconstruction algorithms: Iterative reconstruction to reduce noise

• Early cancer detection
• Accurate staging before surgery
• Monitor treatment response (e.g., chemotherapy)
• Emergency triage after trauma

When is it recommended?

• Unexplained pain, bleeding, or weight loss
• Suspected cancers, infections, or organ injuries
• Evaluation after an accident or stroke symptoms

Who should consider it?

• Adults and children over 2 years (with paediatric protocols)
• People with chronic illnesses such as kidney disease or hypertension (after clearance)
• Patients scheduled for surgery or biopsies needing detailed mapping

• Pin-point accuracy in locating small tumours (<5 mm)
• Non-surgical insight into internal bleeding or blockages
• Faster diagnosis—results within 2 hours for emergency cases
• Peace of mind from clear, evidence-based imaging

• Cancers: Lung, liver, kidney, colon, lymphoma
• Vascular: Pulmonary embolism, aortic aneurysm
• Infections: Abscess, appendicitis, pyelonephritis
• Trauma: Internal bleeding, organ lacerations

1. Pre-requisites

• Fasting: 4–6 hours for abdominal scans; clear fluids allowed
• Blood test: Serum creatinine within 30 days if >50 years or diabetic
• Medications: Continue most drugs; hold metformin 48 hours post-scan

2. Best Time to Take the CT Scan with Contrast

• Morning slots reduce fasting time
• Avoid Mondays for routine scans—shorter wait times mid-week
• Emergency cases: 24×7 availability at our main centre

3. Eligibility

• Adults and children over 15 kg
• eGFR ≥30 mL/min/1.73 m²
• No severe asthma or contrast allergy history (or pre-medication arranged)

1. Check-in at front desk with ID and prescription
2. Consent form and allergy review with technologist
3. IV line inserted for contrast; oral contrast given for abdominal scans
4. Positioning on scanner bed; remain still and hold breath as instructed
5. Scanning takes 5–10 minutes; staff monitors you throughout
6. Observation for 15 minutes post-scan for any reactions
7. Same-day report emailed or collected; CD handed immediately

• Remove metal: Jewellery, zippers, hairpins
• Pregnancy test for women of child-bearing age if uncertain
• Hydration: Drink 500 mL water post-scan to flush dye