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CT (Computed Tomography) Scan is sometimes referred to as a
CAT scan. It uses a special X-ray machine to take images of
cross-sections of your body. This enables the doctor to see
clearly what is going on in various parts of your body
without surgery. Because it can easily look at various types
of tissues, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue, a CT scan
can help with diagnosing a wide range of conditions
including cancers, infectious disease, bone disorders,
internal trauma, or cardio-vascular disease. Some of the CT
scans performed at SIRA include chest, abdomen and pelvis,
skeletal, head and neck, facial, cardiac scoring and lung
cancer scoring.
The CT machine is a doughnut-shaped machine with a sliding
table that goes through its center. A special x-ray unit
rotates around the ring, taking multiple pictures of the
inside of your body. These pictures are then interpreted by
a special computer which prints very detailed,
two-dimensional pictures of cross-sections of your body. The
exam usually takes 15-30 minutes.
You may not have to do anything to prepare for this exam,
depending on what area of your body is being scanned, but be
sure to ask your physician when the appointment is
scheduled. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for
a period of time before your exam, or to drink barium before
the exam. If you are receiving IV contrast, you may also
need to have bloodwork done prior to your appointment.
On the day of your appointment, wear loose-fitting clothing
with no zippers, snaps or other metal. You may be asked to
remove all jewelry, glasses, removable dental work, or
hearing aids. You MUST inform the technologist if there is a
chance that you could be pregnant. If you are diabetic, over
age 65 or have kidney problems, you will need BUN and
creatinine exams before the exam. Also, you may need to be
premedicated if you are allergic to iodinated contrast (IVP
contrast).
You will be positioned on a special table which will carry
you into the CT unit. Depending upon the type of exam you
are having, you may be required to drink, or receive an
injection or sometimes an enema consisting of a contrasting
agent. The IV contrast may cause you to feel a sudden flush
of warmth or to have a metallic taste in your mouth. This is
normal and will go away soon. There is a very slight chance
of a reaction, so if you develop shortness of breath,
itching, or changes in swallowing, tell your technologist
immediately.
Your technologist will make sure that you are in the best
position possible to assure the most helpful pictures for
the radiologist. You may be propped on pillows in order to
accomplish this.
Your table will carry you into the machine. While the
machine is working, your technologist will be behind a glass
panel in the control room so that s/he can monitor the
progress of your scan. The technologist will still be able
to talk to you through a microphone.
As the machine takes its pictures, you will hear a whirring
noise, but the exam is completely painless. After it is
over, you may be asked to wait for a few minutes while the
radiologist determines if the pictures are sufficient.
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