What is IV contrast?
IV contrast (sometimes called X-ray dye) is a clear fluid that contains iodine. IV contrast is injected into your veins and highlights the tissues of your body or brain. Most, but not all, patients who have CT scans have IV contrast injected into a vein during their CT examination. If you are allergic to IV contrast or iodine, please inform your doctor as soon as possible. Patients who are at least 50 years old, who have kidney problems or who are diabetic will need to have a simple blood test before IV contrast can be administered. Please inform your doctor so this blood test can be performed before your CT appointment. Ball Memorial will accept lab results obtained from your doctor’s office in your hometown, as long as they are obtained within 30 days of your CT appointment. If you elect to have your blood drawn and analyzed in your hometown, please be sure the results include an evaluation of your kidney function. What is oral contrast? All patients who have CT scans of their abdome
