CT SCAN (computed tomography)
CT Scan of the Head
Computed tomography (CT) of the head uses special x-ray equipment to help assess head injuries, severe headaches, dizziness, and other symptoms of aneurysm, bleeding, stroke, and brain tumors. It also helps your doctor to evaluate your face, sinuses, and skull or to plan radiation therapy for brain cancer. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
CT Scan of the Chest
Computed tomography (CT) of the chest uses special x-ray equipment to examine abnormalities found in other imaging tests and to help diagnose the cause of unexplained cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, fever, and other chest symptoms. CT scanning is fast, painless, noninvasive, and accurate. Because it can detect very small nodules in the lung, chest CT is especially effective for diagnosing lung cancer at its earliest, most curable stage.
CT Scan of the Abdomen and Pelvis
Computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen and pelvis is a diagnostic imaging test used to help detect diseases of the small bowel, colon and other internal organs and is often used to determine the cause of unexplained pain. CT scanning is fast, painless, noninvasive, and accurate. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.
Computerized Tomography (CAT Scan) imaging is a simple and safe exam. The scanner takes a series of pictures and can detect many conditions that do not show up on conventional X-rays. Some CT scans need radiographic dye that is injected or given by mouth to enhance the images by outlining blood vessels or showing organs of the body.
Tell your doctor if there is a possibility you are pregnant and discuss any recent illnesses, medical conditions, medications you’re taking, and allergies. You will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand. If you have a known allergy to contrast material, your doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. These medications must be taken 12 hours prior to your exam. Leave jewelry at home and wear loose, comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown.
PREPARE FOR YOUR VISIT
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Wear comfortable clothing for this exam without metal snaps, buttons, or zippers.
- Drink plenty of water after the exam is complete.
- Jewelry and other metallic accessories should be left at home if possible.
CT SCAN WITH ORAL CONTRAST
- You may pick up a bottle of oral contrast on the day before your exam or arrive one hour early. To drink the oral contrast at our office. Either way, you need to drink the oral contrast one hour before your appointment.
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Take any necessary medications with just a sip of water.
- Drink the second bottle of provided contrast, ensuring you finish at 45 minutes prior to the exam.
- If your exam is before noon, do not eat solid food or drink more than 12 ounces of liquid prior.
- If your exam is after noon (12pm), you may have a light meal, toast, tea, etc., before 8:00 AM, but no solid food or more than 12 ounces of liquid after 8:00 AM.
- Wear comfortable clothing for this exam without metal snaps, buttons, or zippers.
- Drink plenty of water after the exam is completed.
- Jewelry and other metallic accessories should be left at home if possible.
CT SCAN WITH IV (INTRAVENOUS) CONTRAST
- Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Take any necessary medications with just a sip of water.
- Drink the second bottle of provided contrast, ensuring you finish at 45 minutes prior to the exam.
- If your exam is before noon, do not eat solid food or drink more than 12 ounces of liquid prior.
- If your exam is after noon (12pm), you may have a light meal, toast, tea, etc., before 8:00 AM, but no solid food or more than 12 ounces of liquid after 8:00 AM.
- Wear comfortable clothing for this exam without metal snaps, buttons, or zippers.
- Drink plenty of water after the exam is completed.
- Jewelry and other metallic accessories should be left at home if possible.