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Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Exam
Frequently Asked Questions - CT
What
Is a Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Exam?
 Computed Tomography (otherwise known as CT or "CAT" scanning) combines
advanced computers and rotating x-rays to create highly detailed cross
sectional computer generated images of body parts and internal organs in order
to detect different disease processes. The exam is fast, patient friendly and
has the unique ability to detect and diagnose a wide variety of medical
conditions and abnormalities. It is frequently used as the primary diagnostic
tool for early detection of tumors, infection, inflammatory conditions,
stroke, obstructions, trauma and kidney stones. At Nevada Imaging Centers, these examinations are performed by certified x-ray
technologists, and every examination is directly supervised and interpreted by
board certified specialists in diagnostic radiology.
Why Is CT Performed?
CT can provide detailed cross sectional images and diagnostic information for
nearly every part of the body that cannot be provided by conventional x-ray
studies:
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Head:
including the brain, eyes, inner ear, and sinuses
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Neck:
including the throat, larynx, lymph nodes, salivary glands and thyroid gland
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Chest:
including the lungs, aorta, heart and mediastinum
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Abdomen:
including the liver, kidneys, pancreas, spleen, bile ducts, gallbladder,
aorta and bowel
-
Pelvis:
including the prostate, female reproductive organs, bladder and bowel
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Skeletal
system: including the hand, feet, hips, and facial bones
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Spine:
including the lumbar and cervical spine
What Can I Expect During a CT
Examination?
If your examination is of the abdomen or pelvis, you will be asked to arrive 1
hour prior to your examination to drink oral contrast, which will allow for a
better evaluation of the bowel.
Although many examinations do not require intravenous injection of contrast,
in some cases it may be required to optimize your study. This will be
discussed with you in detail by one of our staff members at the time of your
visit.
When it is time for the exam, the patient is positioned by a technologist on
the CT table. Once situated, the table moves through a doughnut shaped ring
called a gantry. This allows the body part that is being studied to be
"scouted" by electronic sensors and then viewed on a monitor. For many types
of examinations you will be asked to hold your breath and remain still for a
few moments. With our high-speed spiral ("helical") scanner, image acquisition
is so rapid, that breath holding is usually 20 seconds or less. Most
examinations are completed in 10 to 15 minutes.
There is continuous intercom communication with the technologist and the
Radiologist who are stationed adjacent to the machine through a clear glass
wall.
Why Are Oral And Intravenous
Contrast Used In CT?
Oral contrast is used to image the stomach and intestines. It is a very
dilute, flavored barium solution that you drink approximately 1 hour prior to
an examination.
Intravenous contrast is sometimes referred to as "dye". Although colorless, it
contains iodine, which makes specific organs, blood vessels, and tissues
visible on x-rays for better detection of disease or injury. It is not
radioactive. We only use "non-ionic" contrast, which is formulated to minimize
any risk of an allergic reaction. The risks and benefits of contrast will be
explained to you when you arrive for your examination. Occasionally, mild
allergic reactions may occur such as hives, rash or itching. In rare instances
a patient may have a more severe allergic reaction, which might include
difficulty breathing, swelling in the throat, or loss of consciousness. Our
staff is fully trained and experienced to manage any potential adverse
reaction.
Patients will be asked, and should notify our staff, if they have a history of
allergy to IV contrast or iodine injections, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease,
severe heart disease, multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease or are if they are
taking glucophage.
How Long Will My CT Examination Take?
The CT scan itself is 10-15 minutes. However, to ensure optimum results and
patient safety, you will be asked to fill out a medical questionnaire and you
will be interviewed by one of our staff before your examination. If
applicable, contrast administration will be discussed and administered. A
Radiologist will review the image quality of your study before you leave. Your
visit should be less than 45 minutes (longer if you need to arrive early to
drink oral contrast for a abdomen or pelvic CT).
Do I Need A Referral
(Prescription) To Have My CT Examination?
Yes, your doctor must provide a referral (prescription) in order for you to
receive a examination. In addition, some insurance carriers or HMO’s require a
precertification. Please discuss this with your doctor and your insurance
company or HMO prior to your test.
What If I Am Claustrophobic?
Because the CT is open at both ends (like a doughnut), most claustrophobic
patients have little difficulty with the procedure. If you are severely
claustrophobic, you might ask your doctor to consider a mild sedative.
Is a CT Examination Safe?
Our state of the art Spiral CT equipment produces a very low dose of x-ray
exposure with negligible adverse effects. It is not much different than the
exposure from "background environmental radiation" from the sun, air travel,
television or computer screens.
When Will I Know The Results Of My
Examination?
A
Radiologist will review your study before you leave the Center to determine if
the information is complete. Preliminary results will be sent promptly to your
physician and a detailed written report of the procedure, findings, and
results will follow within several days. Your physician will then call you to
discuss the results. Urgent results will be telephoned immediately to your
doctor.
What Should I Do to Prepare for a
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan Exam?
Patients are encouraged to bring something to read in case there is an
unexpected delay or emergency case. It is preferable that you wear
comfortable, loose fitting clothing (especially shirt or blouse). You may be
asked to remove any clothing or jewelry that might degrade the CT images, such
as, belt buckles, earrings, bras, glasses, dentures, and hairpins.
If your examination is of the abdomen or pelvis, you will be asked to arrive 1
hour prior to your examination to drink oral contrast to better evaluate the
bowel.
For the following examinations, do not eat 4 hours before test. However,
please take your prescription medication, as you normally would, with clear
liquids only:
For The Following, No Special Preparation Is Needed:
If you have any other question please
click here to contact us.
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