Dear rehamatt,
A thoracic (lung) CAT scan can be done with or without dye. Your doctor will be the one to determine if you are to have IV dye for contrast.
IF your doctor wants to use the IV contrast dye, it will be in the form of an IV. IF you are going to receive the dye, you will be asked to "fast" from eating for about 6 hours before the scan. The actual CAT scan itself is painless. You might have some discomfort from having to lie still on the hard table.
IF intravenous contrast dye is given, you may feel a slight burning sensation in arm where they are injecting the dye, a metallic taste in your mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These are normal and only lasts a few seconds or so.
You will not be required to drink anything for this test. Usually drinking something is done only when you are having an abdominal or GI type test.
You will have to ask your doctor whether or not he/she wants to use IV contrast dye. It can be done with or without.
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