What Is A CT Scan?

Brooke 4.jpg

A CT Scan is a special kind of x-ray that produces pictures of a cross section of a part of the body. “CT” stands for Computerized Tomography. Tomography comes from the Greek word tomos, which means slice or section, and graphia meaning recording.

CT Scan Images

  • Detect many conditions regular x-rays cannot

  • Replace exploratory surgery and other diagnostic procedures, saving patient discomfort and inconvenience

  • Used to monitor patient’s progress during and after treatment

  • Distinguish bone, tissue, fat, gas, fluid, etc.

  • Determine if a growth is solid or fluid-filled

  • Determine if an organ’s size and shape are normal

Types of Scans

• Head/Brain
• Sinus
• Ears
• Eyes
• Neck
• Chest/Thorax
• Abdomen
• Pelvis
• Spine

Risks vs Benefits

As with any x-ray procedure, radiation is a risk. However, CT scans are designed to obtain the most information with the least possible radiation exposure.

  • CT scan images give more detailed results than many other diagnostic techniques.

  • CT scans often detect the smallest abnormalities, allowing treatment to begin early, when chances for cure are greater.

  • X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects.

Preparing For Your CT Scan

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing to your appointment. You want to be comfortable while you wait and during the test. You may be asked to change into a gown or scrub pants for your procedure. Since schedules are tight, unexpected delays may happen; bring something to do while you wait.

  1. You should not eat or drink anything for 4 hours prior to your appointment time as intravenous contrast may be used.

  2. You may be requested to have a lab test performed prior to your appointment to check to see how your kidneys are functioning; especially if you are diabetic.

  3. Leave glasses, earrings, jewelry and hairpins at home, or remove before procedure.

  4. Head and Neck Scans: In addition items listed above, you also need to remove all removable metal from your mouth.

Abdomen and Pelvis CT Scan

  • You will usually be asked to drink 1 quart of sugar free Crystal-Lite / contrast to “highlight” your intestines on your scan.

    • The time between when you finish your drink and when you are scanned depends on your symptoms (average wait time is 30 minutes).

    • You may also be asked to drink more as you are being positioned on the table.

  • You may receive Intravenous Contrast. This “highlights” vasculature in area scanned making certain abnormalities easier to see.

NOTE:  If you have had a PREVIOUS REACTION to intravenous contrast (X-ray dye), call and speak with our representative about your reaction prior to coming in. Depending on the reaction, we can call your doctor and have you “pre-medicated” 24 hours prior to your appointment with an antihistamine and steroid.

NOTE:  Breastfeeding mothers – pump and discard your breast milk for 24 hours after having IV contrast, as this could be passed through your breast milk.

Pregnant Patients

Please notify the Radiological Physician and/or Technologist if there is a possibility you are pregnant. Radiation is potentially harmful to a developing baby during pregnancy.