What is a Computerized Tomography Exam (CT)?
Computerized Tomography is a diagnostic X-ray procedure that marries older X-ray technology to the new computer technology modern medicine has grown to rely on. This procedure produces a series of cross-sectional images of a selected part of your body or head that will be interpreted by a radiologist.

How Do I Prepare for My CT Scan?
Preparation for a CT exam varies, depending on the type of exam your doctor has ordered. Some exams require no preparation at all. Examples of these would be: sinus, head without contrast, spines, and extremity scans. All exams needing an IV require you have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before your scan. Examples being: soft tissue neck, chest and head with contrast. Most abdomen and pelvis scans require you to drink an oral preparation. You will be asked to drink a prep, called Readicat, 90 minutes prior to arriving. You are welcome to pick your prep up in advance or arrive at our office 90 minutes early and drink it here. In some instances, you will be asked to drink a bottle of Readicat the night prior to your scan, as well as, a bottle 90 minutes prior to your scan. You should not have anything else to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to your scan; it is highly probable you will receive the IV contrast. You need to pick your prep up in advance in this case.

At the time of booking, your doctor's office will provide you with specific instructions for your particular exam.

What Can I Expect During My CT Scan?
The exam will be designed by a radiologist and performed by a licensed, certified technologist. Prior to the start of your exam, the technologist will explain the procedure to you in order to solicit your cooperation and put your mind at ease with what you are going to experience.

If you wear clothes without any metal, you will not have to change into an exam gown. You may be asked to remove any dentures and/or jewelry if they are in the area you are having scanned. Once metal free, you will be asked to lay on the scan table. Depending on the type of scan you are having, you may be asked to lay on your back, stomach, or your side. You do need to lay very still as any movement causes blurring of the images. The table will then slowly move through the scanner. You will be given breathing instructions by the technologist while the images are being acquired. The actual CT scanning process is painless. You will not feel the x-rays.

You may receive IV contrast. The IV contrast adds detail to all major organs and blood vessels. The Technologist will explain the contrast procedure in detail and a detailed medical history will be taken from you. At this time, we will need a list of any current medications you are taking. (Please bring a list of current medications with you.) If you receive the IV contrast, you may feel some slight discomfort while the IV is initially set up. While the IV is first being administered, you may have cool sensation in your arm, a metallic taste in your mouth and/or a warm flushing sensation. All sensations are normal and go away within a few minutes.

Depending on what your symptoms are, the technologist may be required to administer rectal contrast. A small flexible tube will be inserted into your rectum and Readicat will fill your lower colon. This enables complete visualization of your colon. If rectal contrast is required, the technologist will explain the process in detail.

You are able to communicate with the technologist throughout the procedure via intercom.

How Long Will the CT Scan Take?
CT scans typically take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type and/or combination of exams the doctor has ordered.

What Will Happen Following the CT Scan?
You can resume your regular diet immediately after the scan unless otherwise told by your doctor. If you have received the IV contrast, you may be asked to drink extra fluids during the rest of the day.

Important Considerations
Be sure to inform your doctor if you are, or suspect you may be, pregnant before proceeding with the CT scan. CT scans are not usually performed during pregnancy.

Additionally, if you’ve ever had contrast agents before and experienced discomfort or an allergic reaction, again, inform the technologist and the doctor.

The scanner has a weight limit of 350 lbs. Please inform your doctor and the technologist if you weigh 350 lbs. or above.

How Do I Find Out the Results of My CT Scan?
Your CT scan will be reviewed by a radiologist. The radiologist will send a report to your physician, who will give you the results of the scan.

CT Forms:
For your convenience, we are happy to provide the following patient forms.
Please click on the form name to download it.

• CT Patient Assessment And Screening Form Parts A & B
• CT Intravenous Contrast Consent Form
• CT Contrast Questionnaire Form

Call us today to schedule your next exam at (603) 537-1363.

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