As 2026 begins, many imaging departments are looking to reset, refresh, and optimize how they operate. The start of a new year is a perfect time to reassess protocols, re-examine bottlenecks, and identify ways to improve both departmental efficiency and patient experience. For technologists and supervisors, small adjustments in workflow can lead to measurable improvements in throughput, scan quality, and patient satisfaction. One area that often gets overlooked in this process? The drinking preparation for CT abdominal exams.
Why Protocol Reviews Matter
In the imaging world, protocols can become outdated fast. New technology, staffing changes, and evolving patient needs all demand regular evaluation. A stagnant protocol may not reflect the most current best practices or innovations in patient care. More importantly, it might be unintentionally slowing you down.
When was the last time you looked at your drinking prep protocol? Do patients struggle to finish their prescribed beverage? Do you experience frequent delays before abdominal CT scans? Are technologists spending valuable time encouraging patients to drink something they clearly don’t want to?
Drinking Prep: Small Detail, Big Impact
CT imaging often requires patients to drink iodinated contrast to achieve optimal image quality. But this hinges on one crucial factor: whether the patient can tolerate the drinking prep. Traditional preparations often have an unpleasant taste or texture, leading to poor compliance, extended prep times, or even incomplete exams.
This seemingly small piece of the process can create major ripple effects:
- Delayed scans due to slow prep consumption
- Suboptimal diagnostic results due to incomplete prep
- Increased staff workload to manage reluctant patients
- Longer appointment times, reduced throughput, and lower patient satisfaction
If your department has been dealing with these challenges, it might be time to consider a simple protocol change.
A Better Option for Drinking Compliance and Satisfaction
Breeza® flavored beverage for use with oral iodinated contrast was developed by a radiologist to address a common issue in abdominal imaging: patients struggling to drink the full amount of contrast within the required timeframe, which can lead to delayed exams, extended pre
time, and reduced imaging efficiency. Breeza contains a bitterness blocker that helps mask the bitter taste of iodinated contrast, making it easier for patients to complete their prep in the required timeframe.
The beverage’s tropical fruit flavor increases patient receptiveness, reducing the need for interventions like NG tubing and minimizing the amount of coaching technologists must provide. This improvement in patient compliance means more complete studies, more consistent imaging results, and faster throughput.
As a result, departments using Breeza have seen fewer delays, reduced staff workload, and happier patients. In many cases, Breeza has proven to be a self-funding solution, delivering better outcomes and operational efficiency while supporting departmental revenue goals.
Protocol Refresh Checklist for 2026
As you reassess your CT imaging protocols, here are a few questions to guide the process:
- Are patients completing their prep on time?
- How often are CT scans delayed or rescheduled due to prep issues?
- What feedback do technologists and patients give about the prep process?
- Are there tools or products that could simplify or improve the experience
If drinking prep is a recurring point of friction in your workflow, exploring options like Breeza for use with oral iodinated contrast may offer an easy win with measurable benefits.
Make 2026 Your Most Efficient Year Yet
Efficiency doesn’t always require overhauling systems or investing in large-scale tech. Sometimes, it’s as simple as updating a single product or step in your protocol that has been holding back progress.
If improving throughput, reducing delays, and enhancing patient compliance are on your department’s 2026 goals list, now is the time to take a fresh look at your drinking prep protocol.
Want to see Breeza for use with oral iodinated contrast in action? Request a sample or email info@beekley.com to discover how a better preparation experience can lead to better imaging.
