What is CT Urography?
CT Urography is an advanced scan used to check your kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder), and bladder. It gives detailed images to help detect issues like stones, infections, blockages, or even tumours.
Why You Might Need This Test
Your doctor may suggest a CT Urography if you:
- Have blood in your urine
- Get frequent kidney stones or urinary infections
- Need to rule out urinary tract cancer
- Are facing unexplained pain in the lower back or abdomen
Before the Scan: How to Prepare
Please follow these simple steps before your appointment:
- Fasting: Avoid food and drinks (except water) for 4 hours before the scan.
- Kidney Function Report: Bring a recent serum creatinine test (done within the last 4 weeks).
- Hydration: Drink water as advised and try to arrive with a full bladder (unless told otherwise).
- Clothing: Wear loose clothes. Avoid metal zippers, buttons, or jewellery.
- Medicines: Take your regular medicines unless your doctor says otherwise.
- Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Let us know if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
What to Bring
- Doctor’s referral or prescription
- Photo ID
- Recent blood reports (especially kidney function)
- List of medicines and any allergies
- Past scan or imaging reports
What Happens During the Scan
Here’s what you can expect:
- Consent & Prep: We'll take your medical history and explain the process. You’ll be asked to change into a gown and remove metal items.
- Contrast Dye: A special dye will be injected through a vein in your arm. This helps highlight your urinary tract in the scan.
- The Scan: You’ll lie down on a padded bed that moves slowly into the CT scanner. The machine takes cross-sectional images. You may be asked to stay still and hold your breath for a few seconds.
After the Scan
We'll monitor you briefly to ensure there’s no allergic reaction to the dye. Most people feel perfectly fine afterward.
How Long It Takes
- Preparation: 10–15 minutes
- Scan Time: 15–20 minutes
- Observation (if needed): 10–15 minutes
- Total time at centre: Around 1–1.5 hours
After the Scan: What to Do
- Drink plenty of water (at least 6–8 glasses) in the next 24 hours to flush out the dye.
- You can return to normal activities unless advised otherwise.
- If you notice any discomfort, rash, or unusual symptoms, let us know immediately.
- Results will be shared with your doctor within a few days.
Important Notes
- Advance booking is preferred.
- Fasting for at least 4 hours is required before the scan.
- Diabetic patients on Metformin may need to stop it temporarily (please confirm with your doctor).
- The scan uses radiation, but only as much as needed for accurate results.