If your doctor has ordered you to undergo a CT scan, he or she may have also ordered that you take oral contrast prior to the test. Most individuals get nervous when they hear that because they have no idea what oral contrast is or how one should take it down. The truth is oral contrast is actually very common, harmless, and helps doctors see what is happening in your body.
Here we will inform you of everything that oral contrast is, why you need it, how to take it, how it tastes, and what happens to you during and after your CT scan. We will also pass on some tips on how to make things easier for you.
What is Oral Contrast?
Oral contrast is something you drink before you have a CT scan. It contains something that will show up well on your CT scan pictures.
After you swallow it, the contrast flows through your intestines and stomach. This way, doctors can visualize your digestive system in detail. Without contrast, all structures of the stomach and intestines are identical, so most of them would not be visible on the scan.
There are two kinds of oral contrast that are most often employed:
- Barium-based contrast – Thick and white, like a milkshake.
- Iodine-based contrast – Slightly flavored or clear, mixed with water.
They are both safe and your physician will decide which one you need.
Why Do You Need Oral Contrast for a CT Scan?
Oral contrast is used to make your CT scan more accurate. Doctors employ it to:
- Reveal the intestines, stomach, and the rest of your digestive tract.
- Identify blockages, tumors, or infection.
- Monitor bleeding, swelling, or inflammation.
- Help plan surgery or treatment.
Not every CT scan needs oral contrast, but when your doctor tells you to drink it, it is because they need the best and highest image quality.
Preparation to Drink Oral Contrast
Your hospital or imaging center will let you know ahead of time before your CT scan. They are varied, but these are some typical steps:
- Don’t eat or drink (unless water) for several hours ahead of your scan. Usually, you will be asked to fast 2–4 hours.
- Come early – You may need to take the oral contrast 1–2 hours ahead of your scan.
- Inform your doctor in case you have allergies, especially to iodine, or are pregnant.
- Dress comfortably – You will be required to change into a gown that is reused in the hospital.
Always follow the simple instructions your physician or radiology staff gives you.
Instructions for Drinking Oral Contrast
This is a job nobody likes, but if you have the right technique, it can be accomplished. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Start Slowly – Don’t rush. Start with little sips initially.
- Divide It into Portions – If you receive a large amount (at times even 1 liter), maintain it in portions during the time period for which you are permitted.
- Drink it Through a Straw – This may make it easier to drink, especially if you don’t like the taste.
- Chill It – If possible, drink it cold. This may improve the taste.
- Take Your Time – You’ve got plenty of time; you usually have an hour or more to finish it.
Your nurse or doctor will have you drink it at regular intervals (one cup, for instance, every 15 minutes) to allow liquid to move slowly through your digestive tract before the scan.
What Does Oral Contrast Taste Like?
A frequently reported one of the greatest terrors of patients is the taste. Taste depends upon the type:
- Barium contrast – Thick, chalky, and sort of a milkshake consistency but not sweet. It tastes unflavored to some.
- Iodine-based contrast – Light, slightly salty or bitter tasting but perhaps flavored with vanilla, berry, or citrus.
It will not be delicious, but most people swallow it just fine. Keep in mind, it is temporary, and it will assist your doctor greatly.
Tips to Make Drinking Oral Contrast Easier
Some of the more popular tricks that patients tend to find helpful include:
- Drink a liquid through a straw so the fluid glides over your tongue rapidly.
- Pinching your nose closed as you drink; this helps reduce the flavor.
- Drinking in small amounts and getting the liquid down quickly.
- Swishing water about in your mouth (if allowed) after each helping.
- Keep an eye out for the effects rather than the flavor—it does the trick.
If you feel sick or are having trouble swallowing, let the nurse or technologist know. They may have alternatives or flavoring available.
What to Do During the CT Scan
Once you have ingested the oral contrast, you will wait while it moves through your body. You will walk into the CT scanner room.
This is what usually happens:
- You will be asked to lie on a thin table.
- The table is pushed into the CT machine, which is a large ring-shaped device.
- You may be asked to hold your breath for several seconds during the taking of images.
The scan is not painful. It will take less than 20 minutes.
Sometimes, in addition to oral contrast, you may receive IV contrast. Which is injected into one of your arm veins. This will make your blood vessels and organs stand out.
What to Expect After Drinking Oral Contrast
After the scan, most people can go home and resume normal activities. Some things you may want to know:
- Bathroom trips – Oral contrast can cause a little extra bowel movement for a little while.
- Upset stomach or nausea – Some people feel bloated, full, or slightly nauseous. But this will be temporary.
- Hydration – Drink plenty of water. It will help the contrast pass through your body.
If you have severe pain, vomiting, or allergy (rare). Then call your doctor immediately.
Also Read: Atrium Behavioral Health: Fullness of Heart and Mind
Is Oral Contrast Safe?
Oral contrast is very safe for all patients. There is always a risk with any medication:
- Some people can experience a little diarrhea or nausea.
- Occasionally people can be allergic to iodine-based contrast.
- If you have kidney disease, your physician can avoid using some kinds of contrast.
Always tell your physician about your medical history before the test.
Benefits of Drinking Oral Contrast
Even though it won’t taste so great, oral contrast is very beneficial. Some of its main benefits are:
- Better images for physicians
- Better diagnoses of stomach and intestine disease
- Treatment faster due to accurate results
- Less repeat scans
To put it briefly, it is well worth the temporary inconvenience.
FAQs
How far in advance of a CT scan do I need to take oral contrast?
Generally 1–2 hours prior to the test, but your physician will let you know.
May I eat after taking oral contrast?
Generally, you will be asked not to eat until after the scan.
Will oral contrast cause stomach upset?
The vast majority of individuals tolerate it well. Some may develop bloating or loose stools afterwards.
Can children receive oral contrast?
Yes, children can also receive oral contrast but with a lower dose and most times, flavored.
How long does it stay in my body?
Usually within 24 hours, especially if you drink plenty of water.
Conclusion
Swallowing oral contrast to have a CT scan might look intimidating, but it is simple with the right frame of mind and direction. It is a harmless liquid that will enable doctors to get better snapshots of your digestive system. Even though it tastes horrible. But it is simple and the benefits are tremendous.
If you are getting a CT scan with oral contrast. Then be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions very closely. Take your time, and relax. It will be over before you know it. Then you will be helping your doctor decipher what is happening inside you.
Your health matters, and this small step can be a giant leap when it comes to diagnosing and treating medical issues correctly.