A computed tomography (CT) scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that generates a series of pictures helpful when detecting conditions that are often not revealed with conventional X-ray imaging. The fine detail of a CT scan shows clear images of bone, blood vessels, fat, muscles, and solid organs of all parts of the body including, but not limited to:
- Abdomen and pelvis
- Brain
- Chest/Low Dose/HR (High Resolution)
- Extremities
- Heart (Calcium Scoring)
- Spine, including discs and surrounding tissues.
Preparing for your CT scan
Some studies require no special preparation, but in other cases, you will have to fast four hours before your exam. Please continue to take your medication as prescribed. For CT scans that require an injection of contrast, and you have diabetes or have hypertension -you will have to undergo a blood test that checks for renal (kidney) insufficiency no more than 60 days (about two months) before arriving for your CT scan. Your scheduler will discuss the process with you.
In some events – for a CT scan of the abdomen/abdomen and pelvis, you will need to drink a barium mixture at home two hours before your exam and another cup once you arrive for your appointment. You might also have to drink a water-soluble mixture at the imaging facility one hour before your test. Your scheduler will discuss the process with you.
For any scan of the head, face, or neck, we ask that you remove all metal dentures, hairpins, hearing devices, glasses, and jewelry. You will receive a locker for your items, but it would be best to leave those items at home.
The procedure
During the test, you lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine. Without touching you, the CT scanner sends X-ray pulses through the body. Each pulse lasts less than a second and takes a picture of a thin slice of the area being studied. One part of the scanning machine can tilt to take pictures from different positions. The pictures are saved on a computer. The computer analyzes the information obtained from this process and produces pictures of the area. The technologist can see you and will talk to you throughout your exam via the intercom system.
While the CT unit is operating, you must remain still during the procedure. Sometimes you are asked to hold your breath for 5-15 seconds. The exam could last anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of scan being done.
An iodine dye (contrast material) is often used to make structures and organs easier to see on the CT pictures. The dye may be used to check blood flow, find tumors, and look for other problems. Dye can be put in a vein (IV) in your arm. Or, for some tests, you may drink the dye. CT pictures may be taken before and after the dye is used.The CT technologist or a radiologist will explain the procedure to you and discuss your medical history to ensure that it is safe for you to receive the injection.
After your procedure is complete, we may ask that you wait while a radiologist reviews the images. If this review is not requested, we will send a report to your physician in 48-72 hours (about three days). It is your ordering provider’s responsibility to discuss the results with you.