CT Scan - CAT Scan
What is CT?
Computed Tomography (CT), also known as Computed Axial Tomography (CAT), is a special type of x-ray technology that produces detailed pictures of structures inside your body. A series of x-rays sent through the body are analyzed by a computer in the form of cross-sectional "slices". A CT scan provides clearer pictures of internal organs and boney tissues than regular x-rays. If can be used to study parts of the body such as chest abdomen, urinary tract, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, adrenal glands spleen and the spine. Bones, dense tissues and air-filled spaces can be separated on a CT because they are depicted as shades of white, gray, and black. CT scanning helps the radiologist to diagnose certain types of diseases and can lead to early detection of potential health concerns.
Why would I be asked to have a CT scan?
- For proper administration of radiation treatments for tumors.
- To guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures.
- For planning surgery.
- To measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis.
- To quickly identify injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, spine, head, or other internal organs in cases of trauma.
How should I prepare for a CT scan?
- Nothing to eat/drink 4 hours prior to study for the following tests:
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Chest / Thorax
- Soft Tissue Neck
- Brain/Head
- Internal Auditory Canals (IACs)/ Temporal
- Nothing to eat / drink 2 hours prior to:
- Arthrogram
- If you take Glucophage®, please contact Advanced Imaging Center.
- If contrast media is prescribed for your study and you are diabetic and/or over 65 years of age, you may be asked to have your creatinine level checked to determine your baseline kidney function.
- Abdominal and Pelvic Scans require that you drink oral contrast prior to the study to enhance the digestive tract. You may pick this up at Advanced imaging Center prior to the day of your exam.
What should I expect?
The CT technologist will briefly go over the history of your chief complaint. The technologist will ask that you remove any jewelry or clothing that may interfere with the CT images. A gown may be provided to you if necessary. All of your belongings may be locked in a private locker until your CT scan is done.
Before the scan, a technologist will assist you onto an automatic scanning table. Positioning is entirely dependent on the part of the body being examined. It is important that you move as little as possible during the exam. The table will then slid every smoothly into the opening. You won't feel anything, but you will hear a faint humming and clicking of the machine. This is normal. A speaker is installed in the CT unit which will allow you to communicate with the technologist during the procedure if you wish. Most exams take between 10 and 30 minutes to complete.
In some cases, the doctor may order a contrast (image enhancement) agent. This agent is injected into a vein in your arm. The contrast makes the details in the MRI images clearer and is standard for some types of MRI scans.
What about after my CT scan?
After the exam, the radiologist and technologist will review the images to ensure diagnostic quality. If the quality of the images is acceptable, you may go home. If more images are needed, they will usually be taken right away. The radiologist will send your doctor a written report within 24 hours.
