Contrast dye used in CT scan??

Sunshine · ‎03-20-2010

I'm going in for a CT scan with contrast today to see if my cancer is gone.. I've never had the dye before and hope I'm not allergic to it. I have so many allergies as it is. Has anyone else had a CT scan lately? TIA. Sue

Snoopp · ‎02-02-2015

Talk to the radiologist but I believe there is a dye for people who may be sensitive to it.

Justina rae · ‎01-02-2015

There are other things to be concerned about aside from an allergy to the dye. CT scans give you a radiation equivalent of several hundred xrays. Sometimes it's necessary to have a CT scan and sometimes it's necessary to have that scan with dye. However in the future I would ask you doctor if an MRI would suffice instead of a CT scan. They usually don't like to prescribe MRIs because they are more expensive than CT scans. WIshing you well today.

Nightowlz · ‎03-11-2010

Sorry I have never had one of these done so I have no idea. DH has had one but it was a long time ago. I agree with snoops to talk to the radiologist. I just wanted to say I hope you receive good news & don't have any reaction to the dye.

luvmyteddy4 · ‎09-04-2010

I had one a few months ago and it went smoothly. I just found out last week I have a ton of allergies which I didn't know before I had the scan done.

The test itself did not take that long.

Toppers · ‎01-01-2015

You may have already had your CT by the time that I post this, but usually you are asked ahead of time (when you are scheduled for the test, and before you have it) if you have had any kind of allergic reaction to the dye that is used in the CT scan.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I got a very warm feeling from it, and started to panic then kept telling myself to calm down and I was fine. So stay calm! Relax! I have lots of allergies too to antibiotics.

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

You more than likely I've had this done before you read this post. I have had numerous CAT scans done with contrast and without contrast and have never had an issue with any of them.the best thing that I can think of is to talk do the person doing the scan and explain this to them before you have the procedure. Hopefully everything went well for you.

hckynut(john)

Lacey1 · ‎03-09-2010

I've had several CT scans, MUGA scans, and PET scans. The PET scans are more involved, but the insurance companies don't want to pay for them. Anyhow, they have to have venous access because they have to inject. They have to inject a solution to make your cells, 'permeable' to the marker dye for the MUGA. There's a 20 minute wait to become, 'permeable'.

The CT scan, again they have to inject you with the radioactive marker right before the scan starts. It can cause a warm, flushing sensation and give a metallic taste in your mouth. It only lasts a moment. After the scan, they will tell you to drink A LOT of water to flush the dye from your kidneys.

I also get these tests post cancer treatments. The MUGA scan monitors heart function after Herceptin. The CT is to check for metastases. My oncologist decided to order an echocardiogram next time, instead of the MUGA to minimize the radiation.

I have a venous access port for the cancer treatments but I let them use a vein in my arm to inject the marker. If they aren't used to using a port-they can mess it up. My port is heparinized after use, and they never have heparin syringes at the scans.