CT · Patient guide
CT Scan Preparation: Food, Medicines and Contrast Checks
By Clarus Magnus Health & Diagnostics · Published
The best preparation for CT starts with the correct booking details. A plain scan and a contrast-enhanced examination may have different instructions.
Check your instructions early
Ask whether you need to avoid food or drink and for how long. Do not assume all CT scans require the same fasting period. Tell the team about your medicines, allergies, recent illness and possible pregnancy.
If you have previously reacted to contrast, report what happened before the appointment. The radiology team may need to review your history and arrange a specific plan. Do not take preventive medicines on your own.
What should you bring?
Bring your referral, relevant previous imaging and any test results requested by the centre. Wear comfortable clothing and follow instructions about removing jewellery or metal items near the area being scanned.
What if the preparation is unclear?
Call before you travel. Explain the exact scan written on your referral and ask whether contrast or additional preparation is planned.
Find CT scan information at Magnus or contact the booking team for instructions specific to your examination.
Keep a short checklist on your phone: arrival time, food and drink advice, documents, medicines to discuss and how you will receive the report. This makes it easier to confirm every detail in one conversation.
References and further reading
General patient information. Your clinician and imaging team will advise you about your individual examination.