CT Scan

CT (computed tomography), also called a CAT scan, uses x-ray and computer equipment to produce cross-sectional images of body tissues and organs. CT imaging is useful because it can show several types of tissue, such as lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels.

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Study the chest and abdomen
Diagnose cancer.
Plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumors
Guide biopsies and other minimally invasive procedures
Plan surgery
Determine surgical resectability
Diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures
Identifying injuries to the liver, spleen, kidneys, or other internal organs
Detecting, diagnosing and treating vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure, or even death

On the day of your exam, wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Avoid clothing with zippers and snaps as metal objects can affect the image.
Depending on the part of the body that is being scanned, you may also be asked to remove hair pins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any dentures.
You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for one or more hours before the exam.
Women should inform their doctor or x-ray tech if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

A CT examination usually takes five minutes to half an hour.
The technologist positions you on the CT table and pillows are used to help keep you still and in the proper position during the scan. The table will move slowly into the CT scanner opening. Depending on the area of the body being examined, the increments of movement may be very small and almost undetectable, or large enough to feel the motion.
To enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels, use of different contrast materials may be required. Depending on the type of examination, contrast material may be injected through an IV, swallowed or administered by enema. Before administering the contrast material, you should inform the radiologist or technologist of any allergies, especially to contrast.
You will be alone in the room during your scan however your technologist is nearby, and can see, hear and speak with you at all times.
To determine if more images are needed, you may be asked to wait until the images are reviewed.

CT scanning is painless. Depending on the type of scan you are having, your preparation may differ. To enhance the visibility of body tissue or blood vessels, use of different contrast materials may be administered by:

Mouth: You may be asked to swallow water or contrast material, a liquid that allows the radiologist to better see the stomach, small bowel and colon. Some patients find the taste of the contrast material slightly unpleasant, but tolerable.

IV injection: To accentuate the appearance between normal and abnormal tissue in organs like the liver and spleen and to better define the blood vessels and kidneys, a contrast material is commonly injected into a vein. You might feel:

Flushed or have a metallic taste in your mouth. These common reactions disappear in a minute or two.
A mild itching sensation. If the itching persists or is accompanied by hives, it can be easily treated with medication.
In very rare cases, you may experience shortness of breath or swelling in the throat or other parts of the body. These can be indications of a more serious reaction to the contrast material. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your technologist immediately.