COMPUTERIZED AXIAL TOMOGRAPHY - CAT or CT SCAN

 

This fact sheet is designed to give you general information about your CT scan. Any individual

problems or questions should be directed to your physician.

 

CT Scan:

1. This scan is a simple, non-invasive procedure that enables medical professionals to quickly

and safely obtain sophisticated and accurate diagnostic information on your brain, chest,

abdomen, pelvis, spine, and/or extremities.

2. The CT scan machine is a table surrounded by a large donut-shaped cylinder.

 

Preparation for the Exam:

1. If you are/could be pregnant, or if you have asthma, let your doctor know before he or she

schedules any type of CT scan. Also notify your doctor if you've ever had a reaction to any

type of contrast agent (dye) or of you have any medication or food allergies (especially

shellfish).

2. If you are having a body CT scan versus a specific area, you may be asked to drink only

clear liquids and eat no solid foods prior to the exam.

3. If you're having a body CT, you'll be asked to wear a hospital gown.

4. You will need to remove all metallic objects including jewelry before lying on the table.

5. If you feel apprehensive in tight places or about the procedure, let your doctor know. It may

be possible to prescribe a mild sedative to help you relax.

6. Follow your local radiology department's instructions as each hospital's guidelines may vary

slightly.

 

The Scan Itself:

1. During your exam, you'll be asked to lie still on the table while the technician and/or

radiologist slowly moves the table into proper position. The cylinder will slowly rotate around

the table and you, as thin x-ray beams take cross-sectional "snapshots" of the body area your

doctor requested. The system's computer will then create three-dimensional pictures using

those snapshots. The cylinder may be tilted or rotated to photograph various angles but it

won't touch you or affect the table you are lying on. This rotation allows the doctor to

compare angles, something regular x-ray will not. Loud clicking noises are normal. This is a

relatively quick and painless procedure!

2. If your doctor has requested a contrast-enhanced CT scan, you'll be injected with a contrast agent (dye) and x-rays will be taken. Make sure you notify the staff if you've had any problems from the dye in the past. The dye isn't painful, but you may feel a warm sensation that will last 5-20 seconds as it enters your body. If you feel any discomfort during the exam, notify the technician. It is of utmost importance that you remain very still during this short period, so the x-rays will not be blurred.

3. CT scans are up to 100 times more sensitive than regular x-rays, providing the radiologist the capability to see minute differences in soft tissue within the body. The images created are vastly clearer, providing doctors an excellent tool for evaluation and diagnosis.

4. CT scans require very low doses of radiation which are well within safe limits.

5. You can return to your regular meal schedule and activity level after the scan. If a contrast

media was used, it will be naturally eliminated by your body within a few hours.

 

Interpretation of Results:

The radiologist will interpret the results of the procedure and will report the information to

your physician, who in turn, will discuss the report with you.

 

* If we can be of further assistance to make your visit in our department more comfortable,

please don't hesitate to ask any staff member.