CT Scan
WHAT IS COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY?
Computed Tomography scans (also known as CT or CAT scans) use special x-ray equipment to obtain information from different angles around the body. Computers are then used to process the information and create cross-sectional images that appear as "slices" of the body and organs.
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO PREPARE FOR A CT SCAN?
That depends on what area of the body is being tested.
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For your head, arms, legs and feet, there is no preparation.
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For your chest, you will need to fast from food for four (4) hours before.
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For your abdomen or pelvis, you will have to fast from midnight on, so it is best to schedule the test for the morning. If the study requires you to take barium before as a contrast agent, you will need to follow those directions prior to your examination.
WHAT WILL THE CT SCAN BE LIKE?
Once you’ve arrived at MedWise, you will be asked to change into a patient gown and remove all jewelry. You can request a pillow or a comforting blanket from our “blanket warmer” in order to make yourself more relaxed during the test.
During the test, you will be asked to stay as still as possible, as excessive movement can blur the image. Your technologist will be observing you the entire time and can speak with you via an intercom inside the machine.
Depending on the test, you may be injected with a contrast agent. Contrast agents are simply dyes that allow the radiologist to see certain areas or organs more clearly. The injection may initially sting and could cause a hot or cold sensation, a metallic taste, a soreness where the needle was injected and, in a very few cases, hives.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
During the exam you will lie on a table that will move you into the doughnut-shaped scanner. Your technologist will watch you through an observation window and will be able to communicate with you at all times. You may hear humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds as the CT machine moves to reposition you for additional images. CT scans are painless, but some exams require injection of a contrast agent. Remaining still is very important in order to obtain clear images.
When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to help you from the table. You may eat normal meals unless other tests are scheduled. To help eliminate contrast agents from the body, it is best to drink plenty of fluids following the exam. Your exam will take about 30 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE?
Before some exams, you may be asked to avoid normal eating or drinking for a period of time. You should continue medications prescribed by your doctor unless informed otherwise. Diabetic patients may need to delay their medication until after they have eaten in order to avoid an insulin reaction. You may be asked to wear a patient gown and may have to remove items such as glasses, jewelry, dentures, hearing aids, etc. Women should always inform their technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
WHAT IF I NEED A CONTRAST INJECTION?
CT contrast is an organically bound iodine material that is used to make some abnormalities easier to see. MedWise uses only non-ionic contrast (the safest kind), but with all contrast agents there is some potential for allergic reaction. Be sure to tell your technologist if you've had a reaction to contrast in the past or if you are particularly sensitive to medications. If you take Glucophage, Glucovance, or any other type of metformin medication to regulate your diabetes, you will need to stop taking it for 48 hours after your exam.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER CT SCAN?
There is no recovery period, and you can immediately resume normal activities and your usual diet, unless you have a special procedure such as a biopsy in conjunction with the CT exam. If you have a special procedure, you will be given instructions to be followed after you leave MedWise.
HOW DO I GET THE RESULTS?
After your study is over, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists with expertise in CT imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
Should you have any questions regarding your CT scan, we will be happy to discuss them with you.
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