Computed Tomography (CT) Patient Preparation

CT Abdomen / CT Abdomen and Pelvis

For this procedure, you will need to pick up a bottle of Telebrix to consume prior to your appointment. Telebrix can be picked up in the Diagnostic Imaging department at any of the following sites:

• Queen Elizabeth Hospital
• Prince County Hospital
• Souris Hospital
• Kings County Memorial Hospital
• Community Hospital O'Leary
• Western Hospital 

Telebrix can also be picked up at the Tyne Valley Medical Centre.

Please take your appointment sheet with you when you pick up your Telebrix.

• Only drink clear fluids, no solid foods for 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
• You will receive 2-10 ml Telebrix pods of oral contrast.
• Mix each pod separately in 350 mls (1 ½ cup) of water or juice. (Can be refrigerated).
• Drink a 350 ml mixture at bedtime the night prior to the examination.
• Drink a 350 ml (the remaining mixture) one hour prior to the examination.
  Note:  It is imperative that the Telebrix is diluted into the water or juice in the exact proportions stated above. 
• Please do not void one hour prior to your exam in order to have a full bladder.
• You may take your medication and insulin dependent diabetics may eat a regular diet.

CT Abdomen and Pelvis (Pediatric)

Please refer to your physician for appropriate instructions for this procedure.

CT Angiography

• Only drink clear fluids, no solid food for 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
• You may take your medication and insulin dependent diabetics may eat a regular diet.

CT Chest

• Only drink clear fluids and no solid foods for 4 hours prior to your appointment.
• You may take your regular medications with a sip of water and insulin dependent diabetics may eat their regular diet.

CT Enterography

Please make sure to arrive 1.5 hours before your scheduled appointment time. Patients who arrive late may need to have their appointment rescheduled.

• Do not eat or drink after midnight the day of your appointment. If you are diabetic you can have a light snack.
• Regular medications can be taken with a sip of water.
• When you arrive in the department you will be asked to drink 2 litres of water mixed with peglyte. It is a fruit flavoured laxative that will be chilled.
• The peglyte mixture will have a laxative effect. You are welcome to empty your bowels as needed prior to the examination.
• We suggest that you stay around for a period of time after the exam in case you need to use the bathroom.
• We suggest that you have someone drive you home and not make any plans for the rest of the day as the laxative effect can last for a few hours.
• You can plan to be in the Diagnostic Imaging department for approximately 2 hours.

CT Head 

• Only drink clear fluids, no solid food for 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
• You may take your medication and insulin dependent diabetics may eat a regular diet.

CT KUB (kidneys, ureter and bladder) 

• Drink 500 ml (16 oz) of water at least 1 hour before the procedure.
• Avoid using the washroom to ensure you have a full bladder for the procedure.

CT Neck    

• Only drink clear fluids, no solid food for 4 hours prior to your appointment time.
• You may take your medication and insulin dependent diabetics may eat a regular diet.

CT Pelvis

See the appropriate preparation instructions: 

• CT pelvis with contrast - morning exam
• CT pelvis with contrast - evening exam

CT Spine    

There are no special preparations required for this procedure.

How do I contact Diagnostic Imaging Services?

Queen Elizabeth Hospital
60 Riverside Drive
PO Box 6600
Charlottetown, PE   C1A 8T5

Telephone:  (902) 894-2283

Prince County Hospital
65 Roy Boates Avenue
PO Box 3000
Summerside, PE   C1N 2A9

Telephone:  (902) 438-4200