CT Colonography Patient Preparations

At the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center, our team of CT colonography experts is led by Mamata Chithriki, MD, chief of Body Ultrasound, and Irene Chen, MD.

• Why choose the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center for gastrointestinal studies?
• Find directions and parking information for our Imaging locations.

• You can print and fill out the CT Colonography Questionnaire on the Pre-Registration Questionnaire page before arriving to speed registration.
• The most important part of any colonography happens before you come to the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center. To get a good look at the lining of the colon, it is necessary to clean out any traces of food or other material.
• This cleansing requires a restricted diet the day before your exam, and the taking of medication which will cause the colon to empty. This preparation is required regardless of whether you undergo a CT colonography or an optical colonoscopy.
• If you have diabetes or have had a previous allergic reaction to an iodinated contrast please contact us before you begin your colon preparation at 310-423-8000, ext 3.
• If your doctor gave you an order for this study, please bring it.
• If you have any questions about your procedure, please contact Dr. Richard Sukov or Dr. Ashley Wachsman at 310-423-8000, ext 3.

• Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not cover CT colonography for screening purposes.

The following two items you just received in the mail will help you get ready for your procedure.

• Tagitol V 20 mL bottles (3)
• Omnipaque 300 30 mL bottle (1)

Before you begin your preparations, you will need to purchase two items from your local pharmacy.

• Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative (any flavor) – purchase one (1) 10 oz.  bottle  
• Dulcolax (bisacodyl 5 mg) purchase 25 count or less – take two (2) tablets

The above four items will get your bowels ready for your procedure.

• Tagitol V 20 mL bottles (3) – drink one 20 mL bottle with each meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Magnesium Citrate (1) – the day before your exam at 5:30pm drink one 10-ounce bottle follow by one full glass of water (8 ounces)
• Omnipaque 300 30 mL bottle (1) - the day before the exam at 9 p.m., mix the bottle with one full glass of water or clear soda (Sprite or 7-Up) and drink.
• Dulcolax take two tablets with one full glass of water (8 ounces). Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets.  

Note: A high fluid intake is required for this preparation. Drink at least one full 8-ounce glass of water at each of the times specified. DO NOT USE MILK, CREAM OR NONDAIRY CREAMER.

Remember:  

• No solid food the day before the procedure.
• Take clear liquids only (i.e. water, coffee, tea , juices, soda, broth, jello, etc)
• Try to drink 8 ounces (about one glass), at the least, every hour. (Try never to be thirsty).
• Complete CT Colonography questionnaire.

Warning: Omnipaque should not be taken if you have a history of prior allergy to an imaging contrast containing iodine.

• Newborn to 4 years old: no preparation
• 4-16 years: clear liquid dinner the day before the procedure; clear liquids only on the day of exam

*If a referring physician requests a prep, contact radiology at 310-423-2723 and ask to speak to a GI radiologist.

If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.

• A radiology nurse or technologist will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history. You will be asked questions such as: Why are you having the exam? Have you had prior colon surgery?
• This procedure should not be performed if you are or might be pregnant.
• While positioning you on the exam table, a technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
• You will be asked to lie on your side and a small flexible tube will be inserted into your rectum. We use a special system to pump carbon dioxide into your colon through this tube. This gas will make the colon expand and will reduce the natural folds and wrinkles on the walls of your colon enabling a more accurate study. We use carbon dioxide instead of air because it absorbs into the bloodstream faster and reduces the bloated feeling many experience when air is used.
• The table you are on will slide into the scanner. The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out. The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
• You will be asked to hold very still and at times to hold your breath for about 15 seconds.
• Two sets of images will be taken, the first while you are positioned on your back and the second on your stomach.
• After the scan is complete, you will want to go to the bathroom to expel the remaining gas.
• While the procedure takes about 15 minutes, you should expect to be at the center for approximately one hour.

• There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may drive yourself home and resume your normal schedule.
• Your study will be read by an imaging physician who has been specially trained in the interpretation of CT colonography scans. The results will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.
• Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.

If you are not currently scheduled for CT colonography, and have questions, you may contact an imaging specialist at 310-423-8000, ext. 3.