What you can expect

Before your CT urogram, a member of your health care team may:

• Ask you questions about your medical history
• Check your blood pressure, pulse and body temperature
• Ask you to change into a hospital gown and remove jewelry, eyeglasses and any metal objects that may obscure the X-ray images

During a CT urogram

For a typical CT urogram, you lie on your back on an exam table, though you may be asked to lie on your side or stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and keep still during the exam. You may be asked to change positions during the CT urogram.

An IV line is placed into a vein in your hand or arm through which the X-ray dye is injected. You may feel a warm, flushed sensation when the dye is injected and notice a metallic taste in your mouth for a minute or two. The contrast material may briefly make you feel like you have to urinate.

Before the exam begins, the table moves quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for your scans. For the actual CT urogram, the table moves slowly through the machine while the images are taken. If needed, the machine may make several passes.

The machine makes slight buzzing and clicking sounds while it takes pictures. To keep the images from blurring, the technician may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scanning.

After the CT urogram is complete, the technician checks the images for quality while you wait.

After a CT urogram

When the test is done, the IV line is removed from your arm and the IV entry point is covered with a dressing. Most people return to their usual activities after the test.