CT Prep Instructions

TYPE OF EXAM If ordered
Without
Contrast
If ordered
With
Contrast
If ordered
With and Without
Contrast
Spine, Cervical, Head, Facial Bones, Neck or Soft Tissue Only Follow Instructions A Follow Instructions E Follow Instructions H
Any combination of Head, Facial Bones, Neck, or Soft Tissue Follow Instructions A Follow Instructions E Follow Instructions H
Chest Only Follow Instructions A Follow Instructions E Follow Instructions E
Pelvis Only Follow Instructions B Follow Instructions F Follow Instructions F
Abdomen Only Follow Instructions C Follow Instructions G Follow Instructions F
Any combination of Chest, Abdomen, or Pelvis Follow Instructions D Follow Instructions F Follow Instructions F


Instructions A:

Instructions B:

Instructions C:

Instructions D:

  • Pick up barium from AAR office and drink 2 hours prior to exam.
  • Arrive 30 minutes early for exam to drink additional barium.
  • Please see instructions for all CT patients

Instructions E:

  • No solid food 4 hours before exam.  Clear liquids only.
  • Patients over 60 must have Bun and Creatinine results.
  • Patients with kidney problems: consult technologist.
  • Diabetic patients:  If Glucophage, Glucovance or Avandament is used, take in morning before exam and not for 2 days after.
  • Please see instructions for all CT patients

Instructions F:

  • No solid food 4 hours before exam.  Clear liquids only.
  • Pick up barium from AAR office and drink 2 hours prior to exam.
  • Arrive 30 minutes early for exam to drink additional barium.
  • Patients over 60 must have Bun and Creatinine results.
  • Patients with kidney problems: consult technologist.
  • Diabetic patients:  If Glucophage, Glucovance or Avandament is used, take in morning before exam and not for 2 days after.
  • Please see instructions for all CT patients

Instructions G:

  • No solid food 4 hours before exam. Clear liquids only.
  • Arrive 30 minutes early for   exam to drink barium.
  • Patients over 60 must have Bun and Creatinine results.
  • Patients with kidney problems: consult technologist.
  • Diabetic patients:  If Glucophage, Glucovance or Avandament is used, take in morning before exam and not for 2 days after.
  • Please see instructions for all CT patients

Instructions H:

  • No solid food 4 hours before exam.  Clear liquids only.
  • For patients with upper and lower extremity or chest exams, bring any images related to your condition that were not performed by AAR.
  • Patients over 60 must have Bun and Creatinine results.
  • Patients with kidney problems: consult technologist.
  • Diabetic patients:  If Glucophage, Glucovance or Avandament isused, take in morning before exam and not for 2 days after.
  • Please see instructions for all CT patients



Instructions for all CT Patients:
  • AAR can accommodate patients weighing up to 500 pounds.
  • Precertification is required for Cigna/Aetna HMO-POS, GEHA, Amerigroup/Unicare, United Healthcare, Medicaid, and Anthem.  For precertification assistance by AAR, please call 703-824-3227.
  • For patients with upper and lower extremity exams or chest exams, bring any existing films.

On the day of appointment, be sure to bring:

  • Doctor’s order, prescription or referral form
  • Insurance card
  • Co-pay
  • Any previous pertinent CT reports or arrange to have them sent to our office prior to appointment
  • Completed appointment forms
  • For the safety of our patients and our staff, children are not permitted to accompany a patient into the examination room and may not be left unattended in the waiting room. Please plan accordingly.

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