CT stands for Computed Tomography. It is a safe and painless test that uses x-rays taken from different angles to produce detailed images of bones, soft tissue, organs and blood vessels. The images produced from a CT scan are significantly more detailed than a traditional x-ray. CT has revolutionized areas such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and oncology.

CT may be used to evaluate many conditions including broken bones, cancer, blood clots, internal bleeding and signs of heart disease.

During a CT scan, you are placed on a table which slides into a large doughnut-shaped opening. A powerful x-ray tube and high resolution digital detector rotate very fast inside the doughnut to obtain pictures from all different angles.

The CT scanner takes many very thin 2-dimensional pictures, which the computer can assemble into 3-dimensional pictures. This allows the doctor to look layer by layer at the area being scanned and provides greater detail to aid in the diagnostic process.

Many CT scans require the use of a contrast dye. The contrast may be a drink that you take prior to the scan or may be administered during the scan through an I.V. The contrast highlights certain parts of your body and helps to provide the sharpest images available.

Request an appointment online or call us to book your appointment.

You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings and removable dental work. Wearing a sweatsuit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.

Additional prep CT with I.V. contrast

Have nothing to eat 1 hour prior to your exam time. You may drink clear liquids (example: water, ginger ale, apple juice). Keep hydrated before and after your exam.

If you have impaired kidney function, are diabetic or are 70 years of age or older, you will need a creatinine level test prior to your exam to assess your kidney function. It is important to inform us if you are taking the medication hydroxyurea when making your appointment.

Omnipaque oral contrast prep for CT scan

Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.

Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:

All metal must be removed before your scan including jewelry, dentures, eyeglasses, belt buckles and any clothing with metal zippers or buttons. Metal interferes with the quality and accuracy of the images captured during the CT. You may be asked to change into a gown.

The CT technologist will confirm that you are free of all metal and review your medical history with you.

You will then be brought into the CT room and asked to lie down on the scanning table. The scanning table you are lying on will be moved into the center of the opening and the test will begin. The machine never touches you. Be sure to remain as still as possible to ensure the best possible images. Although the CT technologist cannot stay in the room with you during the scan, he or she will be able to talk to you from outside the room through an intercom.

Once all of the images have been recorded, the scanning table will move out of the CT machine and the technologist will return to assist you off the table.

The CT scan can take from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the area of the body being scanned.

CT with I.V. contrast

After reviewing your medical history, the nurse or technologist will place the intravenous needle/catheter into a vein in your arm or hand. Then at a specific time in the exam, contrast will be injected into your I.V. It is normal to feel a warm sensation throughout your body and a metallic taste in your mouth.

One of our board certified radiologists interprets your images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed. The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor within one or two days. Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you.

All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor.