General CT Scan

Computed tomography (CT), or CAT scan, is a sophisticated x-ray imaging system that scans the body and reconstructs obtained x-ray data with the help of computer creating thin “slices” of the body. With modern CT scan, the thin images can be further manipulated with a specialized computer to see the human body in ways that have never been seen before, helping doctors diagnose diseases more quickly and accurately. The procedure is non-invasive or minimally invasive, requires minimal radiation exposure and can simultaneously depict tissues of different densities, which is not possible with traditional x-ray methods.

Where do you offer this procedure?

Who is this procedure for?

CT scans are being used mainly to diagnose abnormalities in the body and its list of usefulness is expending almost daily. It can literally “see” inside a patient’s body, creating vivid pictures to make the diagnosis of a patient’s illness much more accurate, quick and simple. The current uses of CT scans include almost the entire body - brain, spine, other bones, muscles, lungs, heart, blood vessels, liver, pancreas, and the upper and lower gastrointestinal systems. Sometimes, CT scans may be used to guide doctors in performing procedures such as biopsies, drainages, and in accurate placement of therapeutic materials.

How should I prepare for this procedure?

You may be asked to not eat or drink anything for several hours before this procedure, especially if a contrast material is being used during the scan. Metal objects such as jewelry, eyeglasses and hair clips should be removed prior to the procedure, along with hearing aids and removable dental work.

You should inform your doctor of any recent illnesses, and if there is any chance you may be pregnant.

What happens during the procedure?

Just prior to actual CT scanning, the patient is placed on the CT examination table by a CT technologist on his or her back, side or stomach, and may be provided with pillows for comfortable support. The technologist leaves the room and the scanning begins as the CT examination table moves through the large doughnut-shaped CT scanner. During this time, specialized x-ray images are obtained as the x-ray beam inside the CT unit spirals around the patient, creating a volumetric data of the area being examined. The patients will not feel anything from the x-ray beam.

After the scan is complete, the obtained x-ray data are reconstructed by a computer and usually displayed in thin slices. Depending on the size of the area being scanned, the examination can take from five minutes to half an hour.

What will I experience during this procedure?

Most patients find the most uncomfortable aspect of CT scanning to be the need to lie still, but even this is reduced with spiral CT technology. If a contrast material is needed for better scan results, there may be some discomfort associated with its introduction (either by swallowing, injection or enema, depending on the area being studied).

What are the benefits of this procedure?

The CT scan procedure is able to produce clear, detailed images of the bone, soft tissue and blood vessels during just one exam. This procedure creates real-time images that can detect internal injuries or bleeding quickly and simply, and often eliminates the need for exploratory surgery or biopsy.

Click here to watch a video about CT Scans

Click here to print all forms

Continue to page two