How should my child be prepared for the CAT scan?

Your child should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to the exam. He or she may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.

Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, removable dental work, hearing aids and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your child's exam.

Your child may be asked not to eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material, sedative or anesthesia will be used in the exam. With sedation or anesthesia, your child probably will not be allowed to eat for three to six hours prior to the exam. In general, children who have recently been ill are not sedated or anesthetized. If this is the case or if you suspect that your child may be getting sick, you should talk with your physician about rescheduling the CT exam.

You should also inform your physician of any medications your child is taking and if he/she has any allergies, especially to contrast materials, iodine, or seafood.

Also inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions your child may have, and if there is a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions may increase the risk of an allergic reaction.