A computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen uses specialized X-ray equipment to create detailed, cross-sectional pictures of internal organs, blood vessels, and bones. This non-invasive diagnostic tool is frequently employed to identify sources of pain, assess internal injuries, or monitor disease progression within the abdominal cavity. Proper preparation focuses on ensuring nothing interferes with the clear passage of the X-ray beam. Understanding what to wear, and what to avoid, helps guarantee the highest quality images for accurate diagnosis.
Recommended Clothing for Comfort and Clarity
The most practical approach is to select garments that are soft, loose-fitting, and completely free of metallic components. Comfortable fabrics like cotton or simple sweatpants are ideal choices, as they minimize the chance of introducing image interference. The goal is to wear clothes that allow you to lie still and relaxed on the scanning table without needing to change into a gown.
Patients should specifically avoid clothing that incorporates any hard or dense elements around the torso and waistline. This includes pants with large metal zippers, snaps, or rivets, as well as tops with metallic buttons or sequined decorations. For women, it is important to choose a shirt or bra without an underwire, since the dense wire can obscure the upper abdominal region being scanned.
The Mechanism of Image Distortion
The requirement to remove metal stems from the fundamental physics of how X-rays interact with different materials inside the CT scanner. Computed tomography relies on X-rays passing through the body to a detector. Metallic objects absorb and scatter these photons with far greater intensity than soft tissue, creating a phenomenon known as a “metal artifact.”
These artifacts manifest on the final image as dark streaks and bright lines radiating out from the location of the metal object, much like a sunburst effect. The resulting streaks and shadows can completely obscure nearby anatomical structures within the abdomen, making it impossible for the radiologist to accurately visualize organs or detect subtle abnormalities.
While the metal does not pose a safety risk in a CT scan, the distortion it causes severely compromises the diagnostic quality of the image. Therefore, removing all exterior metal is a procedural necessity to ensure the scan is not wasted.
Addressing Hidden Accessories and Body Piercings
Beyond primary clothing, many smaller, often-overlooked items contain enough metal to cause significant image distortion if they fall within the field of view. Any jewelry that sits on the torso, such as necklaces, chains, or metallic belt buckles, must be removed before the scan begins. Even seemingly minor accessories, like hair barrettes or bobby pins, can cause artifacts if they are positioned near the top of the scan field.
Body piercings located on the chest or abdomen, such as nipple or navel piercings, are particularly problematic for an abdominal CT scan. Since the metal is directly over the area of interest, it creates a severe streak artifact that can completely hide underlying abdominal wall anatomy or obscure internal organs. Patients with these piercings are typically required to remove them prior to the procedure.
If a piercing cannot be removed easily, some facilities may permit the temporary substitution of non-metallic retainers made from plastic, glass, or nylon. Discussing all body jewelry with the technologist upon arrival ensures that no small, dense object inadvertently degrades the final images.
When a Hospital Gown is Provided
Even with the best preparation, a hospital-provided gown serves as a contingency plan and is sometimes a mandatory part of the facility’s protocol. If a patient arrives wearing clothing that the technologist deems potentially problematic, such as a shirt with a hidden metallic thread or unfamiliar hardware, a disposable gown will be supplied. This is done to eliminate any doubt about external sources of image artifact.
Some imaging centers maintain a policy that all patients must change into a gown for an abdominal scan, regardless of their attire. This uniform approach standardizes the imaging environment and ensures that the clearest possible images are obtained without exception. The staff is prepared for this eventuality, and you will be directed to a private changing area.
The gown is designed specifically for medical imaging, being entirely free of metal and other dense materials. Accepting the gown is a simple, final step that guarantees the highest chance of a successful scan.