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This question and answer guide will help you understand the test
you are having, and let you know what to expect before, during and
after the procedure.
A computerized axial tomography scan is more commonly known as a
CT scan. The scanner is a doughnut-shaped machine approximately 2 feet
long. It combines xray technology and computers to generate a cross
section image of your body referred to as a “slice”. Imagine
your body as a loaf of bread, and you are looking at it from one end.
The entire slice of the bread is seen from the crust to the inside.
A CT scan slices in a similar manner, looking at the body from the
end, scanning a “slice”, and seeing your body from the
skin to the inside organs. The CT scanner, using the computer software
can put the slices back together to create a 3D image that can rotate
for doctors to see the body from all angles.
The CT scanner can show several types of tissue- lung, bone, soft
tissue, and blood vessels- with clarity.
CT scans are used to evaluate most medical problems. Used for traumas,
and diagnosing and evaluation of infections, bone problems, and cancers.
It allows the radiologist to easily diagnose problems such as cancers,
cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, traumas and musculoskeletal
disorders. CT is used in hospitals and outpatient imaging centers.
In the hospital, CT is also used for biopsies and for planning radiation
treatments for tumors. Most recently, CT technology has advanced to
allow imaging of the cardiac arteries.
Your personal physician requests the CT scan to be done. A Radiologic
technologist, a highly trained licensed professional performs the actual
scan, under the direction of the radiologist. The Radiologist is a
medical doctor, specializing in reading the xray exam performed.
You should wear comfortable, loose- fitting clothing for your exam.
Metal objects, such as zippers, snaps, wires, pins, jewelry should
try to be avoided. You may bee asked to remove hearing aids, glasses,
and any removable dental work that is in the area of interest being
scanned.
You may be asked not to eat or drink for 4 hours before your test
depending on what type of scan your doctor orders.
Since this is an xray, women should always inform their doctor or
the radiologic technologist if there is any possibility they may be
pregnant.
Each exam is tailored to the individual’s requirements, so
don’t be alarmed if your exam is different from one you’ve
had before, or some addition pictures need to be taken. From the start
of the actual scan to the finish, most CT scans last only 10-20 minutes.
In cases where oral contrast is needed, there is an hour to “prep” by
drinking the oral contrast before you are scanned. Some patients elect
to pick up the oral contrast prior to there scan date, in which case,
that patient will drink the contrast 2 hours before their appointment
time. When they arrive will only have to drink 1 more cup and then
can be scanned.
Unless your test requires an I.V. injection of contrast, A CT scan
is not painful. The technologist will bring you in the room where you
will lie down (most often on your back) on the CT table. It has a pad
on it and we are able to put a cushion under your knees to help make
you comfortable. You will need to hold still during the exam, as moving
will create blurry images that the doctor will not be able to read.
The table will slide you through the scanner and then back out. Depending
on the part of the body being scanned, you may be asked to bring your
arms over your head. You may also be asked to hold your breath. For
instance in performing a CT of the chest, you will be lying on your
back, with your arms over your head. You will hear instructions saying “Take
in a breath and hold it.” When you hear that, you will need
to take a deep breath in and hold it in until you hear the instructions
to “Breathe”. Another example, for a head CT, you will
be lying on your back, with your arms on your stomach. The table will
slide you through the scanner, you need to hold your head still, but
you can breathe normally.
The technologist will explain your exam to you, and let you know
how long it should take, any the correct position and instructions
you will need. You will also be told that at any time, we can hear
and see you, should you have any problems.
A CT exam sometimes requires the use of “contrast materials” to
enhance the visibility of the organs and vessels. There are 2 types
of contrast. Oral contrast, a barium mixture, highlights the stomach
and bowel in your body. This can be taken 2 hours before your appointment,
or you can arrive approximately 1 hour before your appointment time
to sit and drink at the center. And I.V. contrast, an injection, highlights
the vessels, kidneys and bladder in your body.
Before your test the nurse or technologist will ask your medical
history. It is necessary to bring a list of medical conditions and
medicines you are taking. Patients over the age of 60 will need recent
(3-4 months) BUN and Creatinine blood work available. If you do not
have any blood work available, contact your physician to order it for
you. The results are needed before your scan. Curtain conditions indicate
a higher risk of reaction to the I.V. contrast or potential problems
eliminating the material from your system after the exam. If you have
a history of active asthma and are on daily medications/inhaler, then
you will be advised to contact your physician for premeditation and
referred to the medical center for your scan. If you are allergic to
the I.V. contrast, you will need to contact your physician to be pre
medicated, and referred to the medical center for your scan. If you
are on dialysis, you will need to schedule your appointment within
approximately 24 hours before your next dialysis if I.V. contrast is
required. Any patients with kidney problems, or certain heart conditions,
may not be able to receive I.V. contrast. If you have any questions,
ask the scheduling department to speak to a technologist or nurse,
before you make your appointment.
Nursing mothers should wait 48 hours before resuming breast-feeding
if I.V. contrast is used.
The most common problem in a CT scan is a reaction to the I.V. contrast.
A mild adverse reaction to the I.V. contrast can be sneezing, itching,
rash, or hives. The radiologist will come to evaluate you before you
leave. In rare cases, other symptoms such as shortness of breath or
swelling in the throat are a more serious reaction and are treated
promptly by the radiologist.
The oral contrast (barium) comes in flavors and most patients tolerate
it well. On occasion, some patients have a side effect of diarrhea
after the barium. Keep in mind that if your problem is diarrhea to
begin with, it continues no matter what you consume.?
If you are receiving the I.V. injection you may feel a passing sensation
of warmth, and a metallic taste in your mouth. These last only a few
minutes.
Unless you have other tests scheduled, you are free to leave. Instructions
will be given to resume normal meals and to drink plenty of fluids,
to eliminate the contrast medium from your body. You can resume all
normal activity.
The radiologist studies the exam and dictates a report. This report
is faxed or sent to your physician. This generally takes 24 hours.
Your physician should then let you know the results of the exam.
We hope this information helps you to understand what a CT scan is
and what is done. If you have any questions about CT scans, please
write them down, and discuss with your physician. If you need any other
information when you call scheduling they will be able to help get
those questions solved.
A CT scan is simple, and provides important information about your
health.
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