CT Whole Abdomen (with Contrast)

Quick Facts & Checklist Before Booking

• Duration: 15–30 minutes (actual scan time <5 minutes)
• Fasting: Skip meals 4–6 hours beforehand
• Hydration: Clear fluids are allowed up to 2 hours prior
• Kidney Check: Carry a serum creatinine report ≤30 days old
• Allergies: Complete the contrast allergy questionnaire
• Dress Code: Wear metal-free clothing; remove jewellery
• Cost: Contact Cadabams Diagnostics for transparent pricing
• Appointment: Morning slots preferred for diabetics

CT Whole Abdomen (With Contrast) uses computed tomography plus an iodine-based dye to capture highly detailed, cross-sectional images of your liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, blood vessels and surrounding tissues.

Definition and Technology Behind the Scan

• Multi-detector CT scanner rotates around the body, taking X-ray images from multiple angles.
• Sophisticated software reconstructs these slices into 3-D views.
• Contrast dye (iodinated) highlights blood vessels and organs, revealing small lesions, blockages or inflammation that are invisible on regular X-rays.

Difference Between Non-Contrast and Contrast-Enhanced CT

Organs Evaluated

• Liver: Size, lesions, fat infiltration
• Pancreas: Tumours, inflammation
• Kidneys: Stones, cysts, masses
• Spleen: Enlargement, trauma
• Gallbladder & bile ducts: Stones, obstruction
• Bowel loops: Thickening, obstruction, perforation

Vascular Structures and Lymph Nodes

• Abdominal aorta & iliac arteries: Aneurysms, dissections
• Renal veins & inferior vena cava: Thrombosis
• Lymph nodes: Enlargement suggesting infection or cancer spread

• Unexplained abdominal pain that persists despite basic tests
• Cancer staging (liver, kidney, bowel) to plan surgery or chemotherapy
• Trauma evaluation after accidents to detect internal bleeding or organ laceration

• High-resolution imaging detects lesions as small as 2 mm
• Early detection of cancers increases treatment success rates
• Guides treatment planning – surgeons know exact lesion size and vessel involvement

Fasting Instructions (4–6 Hours)

• Food: Stop solid foods 6 hours prior
• Clear fluids: Water, black tea or coffee up to 2 hours before scan

Hydration and Medication Guidelines

• Hydrate well the day before; helps protect kidneys
• Metformin: Hold 48 hours pre- and post-scan to avoid lactic acidosis
• Other medicines: Take essential drugs (e.g., BP pills) with a sip of water

• Serum creatinine report within 30 days
• Contrast allergy screening questionnaire – disclose shellfish allergy, asthma, or prior reactions

• Morning appointments for diabetic patients – easier fasting control
• Emergency cases: 24×7 availability at Cadabams Diagnostics
• Elective scans: Early slots reduce waiting time and improve dye tolerance

• Pregnancy exclusions: CT is avoided unless life-threatening; MRI preferred
• Weight limits: CT table supports up to 200 kg; larger patients may need open MRI alternative

1. Arrival & Registration – present creatinine report and consent forms
2. Change into gown – remove all metal objects
3. IV Line insertion – contrast dye delivered via secure cannula
4. Positioning – lie supine, arms above head
5. Scout scan – quick localisation image
6. Contrast injection – dye given via automated injector; may feel warm
7. Main scan – table moves slowly; hold breath for 10–15 seconds per slice
8. Observation – rest 10 minutes post-scan for any delayed reaction
9. Discharge – resume normal diet, drink plenty of fluids

• Inform about allergies & asthma – pre-medication can prevent reactions
• Avoid metformin 48 hours prior if contrast planned
• Breastfeeding mothers: Pump and discard milk for 24 hours after iodine contrast

Radiation Exposure Facts

• Effective dose ≈ 8–10 mSv (similar to 3–4 years of natural background radiation)
• Benefit outweighs risk when clinically indicated
• Cadabams Diagnostics uses low-dose protocols and automatic exposure control to minimise exposure

Contrast Dye Side Effects and Allergic Reactions

• Mild: Warm flush, metallic taste, nausea (<5 %)
• Moderate: Skin rash, itching (<1 %)
• Severe: Anaphylaxis (<0.04 %) – emergency team on standby

Kidney Function Considerations

• Contrast can stress kidneys; serum creatinine must be ≤ 1.3 mg/dL (or eGFR > 45)
• If you have CKD, alternative imaging (MRI or ultrasound) may be advised