Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Aamer Nadeem Chaudhary, M.B.B.S., D.M.R.D., F.C.P.S. (Diagnostic Radiology), Consultant, Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre. Updated September 2026.
Quick answer: A CT abdomen and pelvis images every organ between the diaphragm and the hips in a single scan: liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, kidneys, bowel, appendix, bladder and reproductive organs. It usually requires 4 to 6 hours of fasting, an oral contrast drink and an intravenous injection. The scan itself takes only a few minutes.
Book a CT abdomen and pelvis: call 0300 0341944. CT is performed at our main Johar Town campus.
What does a CT abdomen and pelvis show?
| Area | What it detects |
|---|---|
| Liver | Fatty liver, cirrhosis, cysts, abscesses, masses and secondary deposits |
| Gallbladder and bile ducts | Thickened wall, obstruction and complications of gallstones |
| Pancreas | Pancreatitis, pseudocysts and masses |
| Kidneys and urinary tract | Stones, obstruction, cysts and tumours |
| Bowel | Obstruction, perforation, inflammation, diverticulitis and tumours |
| Appendix | Appendicitis, particularly when the presentation is not typical |
| Pelvic organs | Ovarian and uterine masses, prostate enlargement, bladder abnormalities |
| Blood vessels and lymph nodes | Aneurysms, clots and enlarged nodes |
| Free fluid or air | Bleeding, infection or a perforated organ, all urgent findings |
Why do you have to drink contrast?
Bowel loops and surrounding organs have very similar density on CT. Without help, a fluid filled loop of bowel and a fluid filled abscess can look much the same.
The oral contrast you drink marks the inside of the bowel, so the radiologist can distinguish normal intestine from everything around it. This is why you are usually asked to arrive early and drink it over roughly an hour, in divided amounts, so the contrast has time to travel the full length of the bowel.
It is not pleasant but it is not painful, and skipping it can make the difference between a confident report and an inconclusive one. Some scans, including those looking specifically for kidney stones, deliberately use no contrast at all. Our guide on CT with or without contrast explains when each approach is used, and CT KUB for kidney stones covers the plain study in detail.
Why is intravenous contrast also given?
The oral drink outlines the bowel. The injection does something different: it shows how organs and lesions take up blood supply.
That behaviour is often what identifies a problem. An abscess enhances at its rim. A haemangioma in the liver fills in a characteristic pattern. An area of dead bowel fails to enhance at all. Many findings are effectively invisible without it.
You may feel a warm flush through the body and a metallic taste as it is injected. Both are normal, expected and pass within a minute.
Who needs a kidney function test first?
Intravenous contrast is cleared by the kidneys, so kidney function is checked before contrast is given in patients at risk. That includes anyone with known kidney disease, diabetes of long duration, or age and other risk factors that make reduced function likely.
A creatinine and eGFR result from the recent past is usually sufficient. If you do not have one, it can be done at the same centre before the scan.
Tell the team before your appointment if you:
- Have kidney disease or are on dialysis
- Take metformin, as advice on pausing it may apply
- Have had a previous reaction to contrast dye
- Have asthma or significant allergies
- Are pregnant or might be
- Have an overactive thyroid
When is a CT abdomen and pelvis ordered?
- Acute abdominal pain where the cause is not clear from examination
- Suspected appendicitis, especially in adults with an atypical presentation
- Suspected bowel obstruction or perforation
- Unexplained weight loss, anaemia or persistent fever
- Abnormal liver function tests or an abnormal ultrasound needing clarification
- Trauma, to check for internal injury or bleeding
- Staging and follow up of a known cancer
- Before and after abdominal surgery
How to prepare
- Fast for 4 to 6 hours before the scan. Plain water is usually allowed unless you are told otherwise
- Arrive about an hour early if oral contrast is required, as it must be drunk in stages
- Bring a recent kidney function report if you have one
- Bring previous scans, ultrasound reports and your referral letter
- Take your regular medicines with a sip of water unless told otherwise, and ask specifically about metformin
- Wear clothing without metal, or change into a gown
- Allow around ninety minutes at the centre in total, even though the scan itself is brief
Is ultrasound an alternative?
Sometimes, and it is often the right first test. Ultrasound is excellent for the gallbladder, the liver, the kidneys and the pelvis, uses no radiation and needs no injection.
Where it falls short is bowel, deep structures and anywhere obscured by gas or body habitus. When ultrasound is inconclusive, when the whole abdomen needs surveying at once, or when the situation is acute, CT is the more decisive test. MRI is preferred for detailed liver and biliary work, as covered in our MRCP guide.
CT at Al-Nasar Lab
Al-Nasar Lab & Diagnostic Centre has served Lahore since 1996 and holds ISO 15189:2022 accreditation from the Pakistan National Accreditation Council. CT at our Johar Town campus is reported by consultant radiologists. Because laboratory testing sits on the same site, a kidney function result needed before contrast can be arranged in the same visit.
Contact us to book or find your nearest location.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a CT abdomen and pelvis take?
The scan takes only a few minutes, but allow around ninety minutes at the centre because oral contrast must be drunk over roughly an hour beforehand.
Do I need to fast?
Yes, usually 4 to 6 hours, because contrast is involved. Plain water is generally allowed unless you are told otherwise.
Why do I need a kidney function test before the scan?
Intravenous contrast is cleared by the kidneys, so function is checked in patients at risk. A recent creatinine and eGFR result is usually enough.
Is the contrast injection dangerous?
Serious reactions are uncommon. A warm flush and metallic taste are normal and pass quickly. Tell the team about any previous reaction, asthma or allergies so precautions can be taken.
Can I have this scan if I am pregnant?
CT uses radiation and is avoided in pregnancy where possible. Ultrasound or MRI is used instead. Always tell the team if you are or might be pregnant.
This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please discuss your results with a qualified doctor.
