CT Scanning

What is a CT Scan?

A CT scan, also known as Computed Tomography, is an x-ray technique that allows your healthcare provider or radiologist to see the details and different angles of your bones, organs, blood vessels, and heart.

Prior to the scan, your healthcare provider may require you to have a pregnancy test because the x-rays used in CT could be harmful to your baby. You should bring any previous x-rays of the area that is being examined to assure the most accurate study. You should inform your healthcare provider and technologist about your medical history including any allergies, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, kidney disease, or thyroid problems. Although it is rare, individuals with these diseases have been affected by the contrast agent given during the CT scan and have suffered from allergic reactions, asthma attacks, or organ damage.

Please do not wear hair pins, dentures, wigs, jewelry, hearing aids, or glasses to your exam. Your healthcare provider may give you instructions regarding food and drink prior to your exam.

What should I Expect During My Exam?

Depending on the test, you may be given a contrast agent which will make certain tissues show up against their surroundings, which allows details to show up on your x-ray. The contrast agent is usually given orally and intravenously. You should inform the technologist if you are allergic to iodine prior to receiving the contrast agent.

During your CT scan, you may be required to wear a gown depending on the area that is being scanned. You will lie on a table and must remain still because movement may obscure the images. The table will slide through the CT scanner. The CT scanner will enclose only a small part of your body; however, if you are severely claustrophobic, your healthcare provider may prescribe you a sedative prior to your exam. You will not be able to drive yourself home after the exam if you are administered the sedative. You should not operate heavy machinery, drive, make important decisions, or breastfeed until the effects of the sedative wear off. You will be able to communicate with the technologist via intercom during your scan who will be able to provide assistance if needed.

You should come to your exam 30 minutes early to review the procedure with your technologist and complete any necessary paperwork, but your CT study will only take about 10-15 minutes. CT scans are painless, but you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have symptoms of an allergic reaction to the contrast agent after your exam.

When will I be Informed of My Results?

After your CT scan, the radiologist will mail or fax the results to your healthcare provider. The average turnaround time for radiology reports is about 8 hours unless the radiologist needs to research more information about your medical history or previous studies for comparison. Your healthcare provider will schedule an appointment with you to discuss the study results.