IV Contrast Studies (NPO Guidelines)
• Clear liquids only,
beginning 2-4 hours prior to study
• NPO, beginning 1 hour prior to study (except for oral medication taken
with sip of water, and oral contrast)
• Exceptions:
– Follow anesthesia’s NPO guidelines for patients
who must be sedated for CT examinations
– Contact Radiologist if patient condition indicates
a need to change NPO status
Oral Contrast Options
(determined by radiologist protocoling exam)
Option 1
• Hypaque PO
– 1 dose mixed according to instructions (mixed in 16
oz clear liquid) 2 hours before exam
– 1 dose mixed according to instructions (mixed in 16
oz clear liquid) 1 hour before exam
– If scanning is delayed, additional Hypaque should
be given 4 hours after most recent dose.
Repeat every four hours to level of patient tolerance
until examination is complete.
• Exceptions
– In patients with a history of anaphylactoid reaction
to iodine, a barium-based oral contrast (e.g. Readi-Cat 2 or Scan C)
should be substituted; use 450 ml bottle
in place of 16 oz Hypaque oral solution.
Option 2
• CT Enterography (Mesenteric CTA)
VoLumen PO - 3 bottles - 90 minutes
– 1st Dose - 1 bottle (450mL) 90 min. prior to scan
– 2nd Dose – 1 bottle (450mL) 45 min prior to scan
– 3rd Dose – ½ bottle (225mL) 20 min. prior to scan. Please
send remaining ½ bottle down with patient
– 4th Dose – ½ bottle to be administered in Radiology
• AV Pancreas, AV
Liver (Thick and Thin)
VoLumen PO - 2 bottles - 30 minutes
– 1st Dose – 1 bottle (450mL) 30 min. prior to scan
– 2nd Dose – ½ bottle (225mL) 15 min. prior
to scan. Please send remaining ½ bottle down with patient.
– 3rd Dose – ½ bottle (225mL) to be administered
in Radiology
• Exceptions
– If patient can not tolerate VoLumen, water may be substituted following the
same dosing schedule
Considerations of ordering:
1. Meds given as directed.
2. CT intervention, Check labs (PT, PTT & Platelets) 24 hours before
exam.
3. Consult the radiologist is patient taking oral glucophauge.