CT scan for Abdomen: a guide on all you need to know for a CT abdomen scan.

CT scan: a brief introduction
CT scan, also known as Computed Tomography or CAT scan, is a non-invasive medical Imagining technique that medical professionals use to inspect the internal activities of a human body and diagnose medical issues through recorded activities. These issues diagnosed by the CT scan results can be associated with bones, blood vessels, muscles, or other organs. These ailments also include cancer. It is best to consult your doctor or physician before opting for a CT scan Procedure.

CT abdomen scan and its purposes
When there is an issue or abnormality pertaining to the abdominal part of a person, a CT abdomen scan is recommended by a medical professional. In these cases, a series of images are taken and compiled into one with the help of the CT scan machine, and this is called an abdomen CT scan. This procedure is suggested to inspect any abnormalities in the abdominal activities and diagnose if any issue pertains.

The need for an Abdominal Ct scan comes in when a doctor or a physician suspects that there might be some issues with the abdominal area, which does not have any physical evidence to prove the existence of such an issue. Here is a list of reasons which might lead your doctor to recommend a CT scan for you:

• Pain in the abdominal area.
• A bulge or an abnormal mass in your abdominal cavity which can be felt by the patient externally
• Kidney stones
• Sudden weight loss
• Infections
• Difficulties with intestinal functions
• Inflammation of the intestines
• Injuries caused due to trauma
• Priorly diagnosed with cancer

The average cost of a CT abdomen scan in Chennai
The cost of a CT abdomen scan varies from one diagnostic center to another, and according to the patient's requirement, the CT scan cost may vary. The fee also varies according to the city where the diagnostic center is situated. If you are wondering about the cost of a CT abdomen scan in Chennai, you are at the right place. The average price that the diagnostic centers in Chennai charge for a CT abdomen scan vary from Rs.1350- Rs.16000. it varies according to the diagnostic center that you prefer. Suppose you are looking for information regarding CT abdominal scan centers in Chennai. In that case, Sulekha has one of the widest ranges of diagnostic centers, which is available at various localities throughout Chennai. To find the best one suited for you, check out Sulekha's Diagnostic center list.

To-do's before going through a CT abdomen scan
Usually, for a CT abdomen scan, the doctor asks the patient to fast for at least two hours before the CT scan. If you are under medication, the medical professional might ask you to stop taking certain medications to prepare for the CT abdomen scan. Loose and comfortable clothes are recommended to be worn, and items such as;

• eyeglasses,
• dentures,
• hairclips and
• other things which might contain metal

They are asked to be removed prior to the CT scan procedure. Before going through the CT scan, it is essential to inform your doctor about any ailments such as Diabetes, pregnancy, or any allergic conditions.

Side effects and allergies
A patient might have to ingest oral contrast depending on the purpose of their CT scan. This oral contrast usually contains barium, Gastrografin, iodine, and a few other chemicals, which act as a contrast dye during the CT abdomen scan. So, it is best to let your doctor or physician know if you have ever had allergic reactions to iodine or contrast dyes prior to the CT scan procedure. Here are some of the side effects that might occur due to the CT scan and the contrast dyes;

• Cramps in Abdominal Cavity
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting or nausea
• Rashes on the skin
• Hives
• Itching
• Headache
• Breathing issues
• Increase in the Heartbeat rate
• Swelling in the throat or other body parts

Result duration for CT abdomen Scans
Commonly, it takes about one day for the CT abdomen scan results to be given to you. Makes sure to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor within one week of getting the results. If there are any abnormalities in your CT scan results, your doctor might ask for more testing to find the cause behind the anomalies recorded.

Stay healthy and stay safe.