A computed tomography (CT) scan can help diagnose and monitor many diseases and medical conditions.
The CT scanner is a doughnut-shaped machine with a hole in the center. You will lie still on a special bed as it moves through the scanner, which rotates around your body while X-ray beams capture highly detailed, cross-sectional images of internal tissue and structures. The scans are then read and interpreted by a specially trained and experienced radiologist.
The scanner does not touch you and is not confining. It is significantly more “open” than an MRI scanner, which is more of a tunnel-type structure. Even patients who suffer with claustrophobia find CT scans to be simple, fast, and easy.
The state of the art CT scan studies (could be with and without oral or intravenous contrast depending on the patients’ condition and disease present / suspected) performed at MILV with various protocols include:
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The scan is a painless, noninvasive way to provide detailed images of your internal organs, highlighting solid structures like calcium deposits or kidney stones. CT scans are commonly used to diagnose appendicitis, bowel obstruction, stroke, sinus problems, and many other conditions.
A CT scan can quickly identify injuries and is important in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of many diseases. CT scans may also be used in preparation for surgery.
Depending on the type of scan you will have, you should wear comfortable clothing without snaps or zippers. You may be asked to change into a gown, if necessary. Please remove any metal or plastic items.
You will lie on the scanning table, which will move slowly through the cylinder during the exam. It is important to lie still, and you may be instructed to hold your breath for brief periods of time while the scans are taken. You may hear a whirring noise from various angles as the images are made. Most CT scans take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Please arrive a half hour before your scheduled exam. Many types of CT scans require little or no preparation. Your doctor may order blood tests prior to your exam. You may be asked to drink some fluids before your scan.
For certain types of scans, you may be given an injection of contrast dye, a solution that highlights certain tissues, organs, and blood vessels to provide more detailed information for the radiologist.
You will be informed if this type of scan is required and given specific instructions. Some patients may feel a flush of heat and experience a metallic taste during the injection. These sensations usually subside within minutes.
You will want to provide a list of your medications, information about your medical history, dates of previous CT scans or other radiology tests, any relevant pathology reports available, your insurance information, and a prescription or referral from your physician.
You shouldn’t experience any discomfort from the exam and may leave as soon as the CT scan is completed. You may return to normal daily activities immediately, unless instructed otherwise. If a contrast dye has been injected, you should drink plenty of water after the scan.
If you are on metformin (a medication used by patients with type 2 diabetes), please stop your medication immediately after the CT scan. You can resume the medication 48 hours after the exam. If alternative medication is needed, please contact your physician.
Please inform the technicians if you believe you could be pregnant, are breastfeeding, have asthma, are diabetic, or if you have had an allergic reaction to contrast dye or have a history of drug or food allergies (including iodine and shellfish).
During the CT scan, you will receive about the same amount of radiation as an average person would get from the environment over a three-year period. Although the risks are low and precautions are taken, some patients may have allergic reactions when contrast dye is injected, resulting in rashes, itching, eye swelling, and other allergy symptoms.
