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Overview
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Computed Tomography uses
x-rays to take pictures inside the body and for performing
special image-guided procedures.
CT scans can be more advanced than
MRIs for some cases and produce a 3-D view of specific body areas,
thus helping physicians give a more accurate diagnosis. CTs are used
to identify and stage tumors, infections, orthopedic injuries, inflammatory processes,
and vascular abnormalities.
All CT scans are interpreted by
board-certified radiologists.
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Patient Information
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>
Frequently
Asked Questions
> Preparing
for Your Exam
> How
to Prepare for Your Procedure
> How
to Find Us
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Frequently Asked Questions on CT
Scans |
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What does
a CT scanner look like?
The
CT scanner looks like a large doughnut with a narrow table. The
patient lies on the table, which moves through the center of the
machine. The technologist is in the next room and observes the
patient through a large window.
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CT
Scanner |
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Do I have to
do anything special before having a CT scan?
Some scans
(abdomen and pelvis) require that the patient drink about a quart of
liquid prior to the scan. For certain exams, x-ray contrast or "dye"
may also be injected into a vein during the scan. If you are
scheduled to have a test with intravenous contrast, you should not
eat for four hours before the exam. You should, however, take all
your medications with a sip of water at the regular
time.
> More About Preparing for Your
Exam
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How
long does a CT scan take?
The entire procedure takes about 15
to 20 minutes, depending on what part of the body is being
scanned.
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Will it hurt?
No. The scanner uses x-rays to see
inside your body.
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When may I eat after the test?
As soon as the exam
is over.
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How
will I get the results of the CT scan?
After the scan is
finished, a board-certified radiologist will interpret the
study and send a report to your doctor usually within 24
hours.
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Routine Preparations for CT
Scans |
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For a scan of the head (brain), neck, chest, arms and
legs:
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Do
not eat or drink for 4 hours before your
exam. |
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For
a scan of the abdomen and pelvis:
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Do
not have any liquid or solid food for 4 hours prior to
your scheduled appointment time, but you should take any prescription
medications with a sip of water. |
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Pick up
one CT drink kit from LDI on the day before your exam. (This
drink will make it easier for the radiologist to see your
intestines and not confuse them with abnormal
structures.) |
Instructions for the CT contrast
drink:
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The kit
contains two bottles of Readi-Cat contrast drink. This is
pre-mixed and may taste better when refrigerated. Shake well
before using. Do not mix with any other substance or pour over
ice. |
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2 hours
before your scheduled appointment time, drink one bottle. |
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1 hour prior
to your appointment time, drink 2/3 of the second bottle. |
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Immediately before the test, you will be instructed by
the technologist to drink the last 1/3
bottle. |
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For
a CT angiogram (to look at blood vessels, aortic aneurysms,
renal transplant donors):
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Do
not eat or drink for 4 hours before the exam. |
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Do
not drink the CT contrast
drink. |
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