On the day of your CT scan of the upper and lower abdomen, please bring with you
- Any recent examination related to the reason for referral
- Previous imaging examinations of the same region
- A medical note from the referring physician stating the indication for the examination (the reason why the examination is being performed)
- The referral form given to you by your physician
- The preparations prescribed by your physician and your creatinine test, if you are going to undergo a CT scan with contrast medium
- Any identification document (e.g. identity card, passport or driving license) and your Social Security Number (AMKA)
How the examination is performed
Before the examination is carried out, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire. You will then lie down on a narrow examination table that slides into a ring-shaped scanner. The technologist may ask you, via intercom, to follow simple breathing instructions, which you should follow in order to obtain images that are as clear as possible. The examination time usually does not exceed 5 minutes.
How to prepare
It is recommended that you wear clothing and other accessories, (e.g. jewelry) that are easy to remove.
Because you will be administered an intravenous contrast medium, you must have undergone a blood creatinine test up to 30 days before your CT scan. If you wish, the test can be performed at
Metropolitan General on the day of the examination; however, you should consider that 1 hour is required for the result to be issued from the time the sample is taken.
- Diet
You must be FASTING for 4 hours before the examination, while taking your medication at the usual time only with clear fluids (water or apple juice). 2 hours before the examination dissolve 2 capfuls of the oral contrast medium (Gastrografin) in 2 glasses of water (or 1 small 500 ml bottle) and drink it slowly. - If you are a woman
Inform your physician before the examination if there is a possibility of pregnancy or if you are breastfeeding. - Allergies
If you have previously experienced an allergy ONLY to CT contrast medium, you should contact the Department of Radiology - Medical Imaging by phone at +30 2106502510-2511, 8:00–22:00. The referring physician may prescribe special preventive medication. - If you are diabetic
You must contact your physician after the examination.
When you should arrive
If you have taken Gastrografin (the oral contrast medium) at home, please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you wish to be administered the oral contrast medium in our department, please arrive approximately 2 hours before your scheduled appointment.
After your examination
After the examination, you may return to your daily activities. It is recommended that you drink plenty of fluids after the examination is completed, in order to help eliminate the contrast medium from your body.
When and how you will receive your result
On the day of the examination, you will be informed by the Secretariat of the expected date on which your result will be issued.