General CT Scan

Computed tomography, also known as a CT or CAT scan, uses a narrow beam of X‑rays and high-powered computers to generate images of bones and soft tissues in the body. These tests are noninvasive and painless and provide greater clarity than conventional X-ray exams. Your scans will be reviewed by a team of specialists who focus on taking and interpreting CT scans.

We perform CT scans on many different parts of the body, including:

• Internal auditory canal
• Lung
• Mandible/maxilla
• Mastoid bones
• Neck
• Pelvis/hips
• Sinus
• Spine (cervical, lumbar, thoracic)
• Temporal bones

CT scans are performed for a variety of reasons, including:

• Assess for injuries, infections, tumors or other abnormalities
• Diagnose possible causes of headaches, seizures, dizziness or swelling
• Assess the brain for bleeding, blood clots or signs of stroke
• Assess the spine for ruptured disks
• Determine the position and length of dental implants in either the mandibular or maxillary arches

Here is what to expect during a CT scan and how to prepare for the exam.

• If you are receiving a scan of the abdomen or pelvis and your exam includes an IV injection of a contrast dye, you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything for three hours before your exam. You may be able drink clear liquids. You will be given direction on liquids when you make your appointment.
• Not all scans use a contrast dye. Its use depends on which parts of the body the scan is being used to analyze. The dye improves the image quality by highlighting certain structures making them more visible on the scan.
• If dye is required, it is given through an injection, orally or by enema, depending on the location of your scan.
• If your doctor gave you an order, please bring it with you.
• Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home and wear comfortable clothing.
• If you are receiving a scan of the head, please leave dentures, false teeth or implants, earrings and hairpins at home as they can interfere with the scan.
• Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, magazine or music player to help pass any time you may spend waiting.

• A radiology nurse or technologist will ask you a few questions regarding your medical history.
• Please inform the technologist, radiology nurse and/or physician of any allergies you may have.
• If you are receiving contrast via injection, an IV will be placed in your arm.
• If you are asked to take contrast orally, you will then be asked to wait up to 90 minutes for the contrast to reach the part of your body being examined.

• While positioning you on the exam table, the technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
  
• If contrast dye is being used, it may be given through an injection in your IV if you did not take it orally or via enema.
• During the injection, you may experience a warm sensation all over your body and a metal taste in your mouth. This is normal.
• If you experience any itching, sneezing, nasal congestion, scratchy throat or swelling of your face, please notify the technologist immediately.
• Most often, you will be asked to lie flat on your back with your arms above your head or at your sides. Some scans require two positions, and you will also be asked to lie on your stomach with your head resting on your chin.
• For scans of the head, your head will be placed in a holder. 
• The exam table will slide into the scanner, only covering the part of your body being studied. The scanner is open at the back and the front, allowing you to see out.
• You will be asked to hold very still and at times to hold your breath while the scanner takes a series of images.
  
• The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your exam.
• This procedure usually takes approximately 15‑30 minutes.

• There are no restrictions placed on you after this procedure. You may eat and drive as normal.
• If you received an injection of contrast dye, you should drink six to eight glasses of water to help flush it out of your system.
• Your study will be read by an imaging physician who specializes in the interpretation of CT scans. The results will be sent to your physician, usually within 48 hours.
• Your physician will discuss these results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your health.