CT Scan
What is a CT Scan?
Computed tomography, also called CT or CT scan, is a process that uses X-rays and computer technology to make cross-sectional images of the body. A series of X-ray pictures, each a thin slice, are put together in a computer to form a three-dimensional view of the inside of your body. If an X-ray is like looking at a photo of a heart, a CT scan is like looking at a model that you can pick up and examine from any angle.
In a CT scan, X-rays pass through the body and are analyzed by a computer. The computer builds an image based on the amount of X-rays passing through tissues of different thickness. For example, bone appears white on a CT scan, and gas bubbles in the stomach and intestines appear black.
The procedure is painless, and takes about 30 minutes, but can be longer or shorter depending on the area of the body being scanned.
Some exams require contrast media, or dyes, to help enhance the visualization of certain tissues. If dye is needed, it is administered by injection into a vein. You may feel a slight sensation during this injection. Although contrast is not harmful, it’s iodine-based, which can trigger an allergic reaction in some patients.
Inform your physician and x-ray technologist if you:
- Have a known allergy to the contrast dye or any substance that contains iodine.
- Have diabetes.
- Have a history of kidney problems.
CT of the Head/Neck/Chest/Hematuria Protocol
- You should not eat anything four hours prior to your exam.
- You should drink clear fluids and be hydrated prior to your exam. You may take your medications with clear liquid prior to your exam.
- If you are age 60 or older, has history of renal failure, diabetic, CHF, multiple myeloma, kidney transplant recipient, single kidney, uncontrolled HTN, or has received chemotherapy with platinum agents within the last six months, a serum creatinine is needed. Results should be within one week of the CT scan.
CT of the Renal Stone Protocol, Sinuses, Extremities and Spine
- You may eat and drink up to the time of the exam.
CT of Abdomen/Pelvis
- You should not eat anything four hours prior to your exam.
- You should drink clear fluids and be hydrated prior to your exam. You may take your medications with clear liquid prior to your exam.
- You will drink a diluted barium mixture called Readicat. It is best to refrigerate the barium ahead of time. Drink the barium as follows according to your appointment time.
Test scheduled before or at 10:00 am – drink half bottle of Readicat at bedtime and the other half one hour before test.
Test scheduled after 10:00 am – drink half bottle of Readicat at 6:00 am the morning of your test and the other half one hour before test.
If you are age 60 or older, has history of renal failure, diabetic, CHF, multiple myeloma, kidney transplant recipient, single kidney, uncontrolled HTN, or has received chemotherapy with platinum agents within the last six months, a serum creatinine is needed. Results should be within one week of the CT scan.
During the exam:
For most exams you will be asked to wear a gown. You will be asked to lie very still on the table. The table will be surrounded by a large, donut-like structure. The table will move you in and out of the opening to the proper positioning for your particular exam. The exam will be taken which will take approximately 30 minutes.
After the exam:
After the exam is completed, you will be able to go home and return to normal activities. The scan will be read by a radiologist. Test results will be mailed to you by your provider if they are normal. The ordering provider does not telephone you with normal test results. Abnormal test results will be reported to you by telephone by the ordering provider or their assistant, along with follow up instructions.