CT Ordering Protocols

CT Protocols (excel file goes here...)

Patients can take all meds prior to exam and may have water

Notes:

1. Most of the time, you will be ordering exams of the abdomen and pelvis together – rarely is it appropriate to order one or the other.

2. With IV contrast is almost always better than without. However, if the patient has acute renal failure (non-dialysis dependent) or has had an anaphylactic response to contrast, no IV contrast will be given. 

3. Patients with a non-anaphylaxis contrast allergy should receive the following premedication protocol: Prednisone 50 mg by mouth 13, 7, & 1 hr prior to exam. We will give Benadryl 50 mg within 1 hour of injection; patient will need a driver.

4. The more clinical information you give us, the better we can do at answering your specific question. This will become even more important with the imminent arrival of ICD-10.

5. A radiologist is regularly available by phone if further clarification is needed; we would rather get a phone call than read the wrong study.  Please call (559) 734-5674 to be connected.