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CT
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
Austin PET & 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
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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.
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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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