What is a CT Scan?
Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-Rays to create images of the
inside of your body.
CT Scanning combines the use of a digital two-dimensional computer
together with a rotating X-Ray device to create detailed cross sectional
images or “slices” of different organs and body parts.
The
two-dimensional images can also be reconstructed to produce
three-dimensional images.
CT is fast and patient friendly; with the unique ability to image a
combination of soft tissue, bone and blood vessels.
Depending on which CT Scan your healthcare provider orders, your actual CT
exam can take from 30 seconds minutes to 45 minutes to perform. The
technologist can tell you how long your entire appointment will take.
Why is a CT Scan Ordered?
 A CT Scan may be performed to obtain a detailed picture of the inside of any
part of the body, without the need for a surgical exploration. Healthcare
providers looking for answers often turn to the “Answer Box” – CT Scanning
used often for abdominal disorders and body and chest imaging.
A CT Scan can be used to find the cause or source of various illnesses or diseases.
CT systems at PENRAD Imaging also include a 64 Row and a 128 Dual Source
scanner.
The 128 Dual Source CT is excellent for Cardiac CT Angiography as
well as other Angiography exams.
Angiography exams utilizing CT are less
invasive than a surgical procedure and much less expensive.
Potential Sites of CT Scan
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Abdomen and pelvis, liver, pancreas, kidney, spleen, adrenals, stomach,
intestines, blood vessels, lymph nodes, other abdominal vessels and bones |
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Brain: vessels of the brain, eyes, inner ear, sinuses, pituitary gland |
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Neck: shoulders, blood vessels of the neck |
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Chest: heart, aorta, lungs, mediastinum, pulmonary embolism |
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Pelvis: hips, male and female reproductive system, bladder, GI tract |
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Skeletal system: including bones of the hands, feet, ankles, legs, arms, jaw |
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Spine: lumbar, thoracic, cervical |
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Dual-Source and
High-Speed Scanning produce images of exceptional quality and is
an amazing tool to explore new clinical opportunities and
provide medical providers the answers to their patients’ medical
questions – quickly and accurately.
- Eric R. Weidman, MD Director of CT
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Exam Preparation
Your healthcare provider and our scheduling department will give you
preparation instructions.
Depending on what study has been ordered, your
exam may involve a contrast agent. If so, your instructions may require you
to fast for several hours prior to your CT Scan.
Patients with certain conditions may be required to obtain blood work prior
to their CT exam. You should plan on taking your regular medications,
although diabetic patients may need to discuss insulin doses with their
healthcare provider.
When your test requires a contrast agent, the
technologist usually injects the agent into your arm with a small needle.
If prior tests have resulted in an allergic reaction to iodine contrast,
please advise the technologist. In addition, let the technologist and/or
radiologist know if you are, or suspect you might be, pregnant.
Information about your medical history e.g. asthma, kidney trouble, is important for the
technologist to know.
During the Exam
After you put on a gown, the technologist will ask you to lie on the exam
table, usually on your back.
The scanner looks like a large doughnut.
The
technologist will raise, lower and move the exam table in and out of the
scanner opening in order to take pictures of the body, although it does not
touch the patient.
It is extremely important that you remain still during the CT Scan so the
pictures are clear.
The technologist will talk to you via an intercom
located inside the scanner.
You will also hear various whirring, clicking
and other mechanical noises during the procedure.
The technologist will
check your CT Scan for clarity before you leave.
After the Exam
A Board Certified Radiologist will interpret your CT Scan and
provide a formal report as your permanent record.
The formal exam results will be sent to your referring healthcare
provider, who will in turn discuss the results with you.
Contrast Exams
Resume your normal diet and drink plenty of water.
Do not resume GLUCOPHAGE medications for 48 hours following a
contrast injection.
Your system will naturally eliminate any contrast agent from your
body.
Oral contrast agents may cause diarrhea.
Alert
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You must inform the technologist if you are, or think you
might be, pregnant. |
Further Information
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If you do not have the most recent Reader installed on your
system, click the Adobe Acrobat Reader logo to the left. |
Feel free to contact our facility or check with your
healthcare provider for additional information. |
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