Prepare for a CT Colonoscopy scan

CT colonoscopy uses CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the colon (the large intestine) that is ordinarily only seen with an endoscope inserted into the rectum.

Important Information Prior to Your Exam

  • Please let us know if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, please tell your doctor or technologist.
  • Inform your doctor, if you have heart, liver or kidney disease to be certain that the bowel prep is safe for you.
  • Also let us know if you have had prior colon surgery.
  • Please let us now if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
  • It is extremely important that you follow the preparation instructions closely in order for your CT colonoscopy to be successful.

What is the preparation for a CT colonoscopy procedure?


FOR OUTPATIENTS

Supplies for patients:

A prescription is required for SUPREP bowel prep kit, which can be picked up at your local pharmacy. A Physician will enter an electronic prescription for only this bowel prep.

https://www.suprepkit.com/HowToPrep

On the day before the CT colonoscopy:

  • No solid food all day.
  • Drink clear liquids only (i.e., water, tea, coffee, juice, soda, broth, jello, etc.).
  • Drink 8 oz of water (about 1 glass) at least every hour (try to never be thirsty). Over the course of the day, drink at least 2 quarts of liquids.
Time (Evening before appointment) Instruction
5pm Follow steps 1-4 of SUPREP bowel prep instructions.
12am MIDNIGHT No food or liquid.

On the day of the CT colonoscopy:

  • Do not eat or drink anything.
Time (Day of appointment) Instruction
At least 3-4 hours before your exam

Repeat steps 1-4 of SUPREP bowel prep instructions.

Special Precautions

  • In general, you can (and should) continue to take any routine prescribed medications during the preparation.
  • If you take blood pressure or heart medication, or prednisone, or other steroids, take them before 7am with a sip of water on the day of the test.
  • If you are taking INSULIN the dosage may need to be adjusted the day prior and the morning of the test. Contact your physician for instructions regarding dosage.
  • Call your doctor for an alternative preparation if you have kidney disease resulting in impaired renal function.
  • Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you need to reschedule your appointment, please call (415) 353-2573.

What happens during the CT colonoscopy?

After changing into a gown, you will be placed on the CT scanner table. The technologist will distend your colon with air by inserting a small rectal tube that is connected to an insufflator. As your colon fills with air, you may feel bloating and mild discomfort. Please let us know if you feel uncomfortable.

You will be scanned initially lying on your back. We will then ask you to turn onto your belly and we will scan a second time. You will be asked to hold your breath during each scan for about 20 seconds. If you have to breathe out, do so shallowly. We may need to give additional air through the rectal tube when you turn onto your belly.

FOR INPATIENTS

Information FOR PROVIDERS for ordering inpatient CT colon prep

Order Sets

Place additional orders using the Orders Activity. Common Orders and medication can be included in an Order Set, ensuring medications are ordered and aligned with the correct radiology phase of care.

  • Order sets can be stared as a favorite or customized to your individual preference.

Placing the CT-Colonoscopy Order Set

To perform a CT Colonoscopy exam, additional contrast must be placed in advance of the scheduled study. A specific Order Set CT Diagnostic/Screening with Prep Medications has been created to include all required procedure medications. Placing the order set will ensure enough time has been allotted in advance to receive and prepare for the patient’s exam.

Access the patient’s encounter.  

  1. Navigate to the Orders tab; extend the Orders sidebar.
  2. Click Order Sets.
    Order Sets
  3. Type in CTC to populate the CT Diagnostic/Screening with Prep Medications (aka CTC)
    • Your Preference list will display the available orders depending on your logged in department.
    • If necessary, click the Facility List tab to display all available options.
      Facility list 
  4. Double-click to open the order.
  5. Resolve all required Hard Stops. Click Accept.
    Resolve all required Hard Stops. Click Accept.
  6. Star the Order Set as a Favorite.
    • Click on the Star to add the order to your Favorite(s) medication preference list.
    • Click the X to cancel the medication order.
      Star the Order Set as a Favorite.
       
    • Efficiency Tip: For more information about Order Sets refer to the tip sheet here: Favorite Order Sets and Smart Sets in APeX
  7. The Required procedure medications and instructions have been ordered.
    The Required procedure medications and instructions have been ordered.
  8. Click Sign Orders.
    • Orders will appear on the Active Orders tab and will be available for MAR documentation.

On the day before the CT colonoscopy:

  • Please call CT at (415) 353-1753 to arrange scan time.
  • No solid food all day.
  • Clear liquids only (i.e., water, tea, coffee, juice, soda, broth, jello, etc.).
  • Please follow instructions from the inpatient pharmacy on how to take the prep.