Survey
What is a CT scan?
How is the CT scan performed?
What does the exam entail?
How long does a CT scan take?
Will it hurt?
When may I eat after the test?
How will I get the results of the CT scan?
What is 3D CT?
What is a CT Scan?
Computer Tomography also known as CT, CT scan or CAT scan, is a process that uses x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-section images of the body. A series of x-ray pictures, each a thin slice, are put together in a high speed computer to form a three-dimensional view of the inside of your body. CAT scan is very useful because it can demonstrate several types of tissue such as lung, bone, organs, brain, blood vessels, muscles and fat with great clarity and detail. This provides physicians with information unobtainable with conventional x-rays.
How is the CT scan performed?
The CT scanner is a large circle with a hole in the center, like a doughnut. The patient lies on a narrow talbe which moves through the center of the machine. It is not a tunnel that the patient is put into. Within the machine the x-ray tube rotates around the anatomy being scanned and makes some noise as it moves. The technologist will explain the procedure and set up the patient, then will move to another room. The technologist will be able to see and hear the patient during the exam. The scanner may give the patient breathing instructions.
What does the exam entail?
Preparation depends on which part of your body is being scanned and what the referring doctor is looking for. The patient may be asked to not eat or drink anything 3 hours before his/her appointment. The patient may receive IV contrast in a vein in their arm. This contrast highlights all the blood vessels and organs on the scan. For most scans of the abdomen and or pelvis the patient will need to drink 1.5 quarts of water or a barium solution.
How long does a CT scan take?
The entire procedure takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what part of the body is being scanned.
Will it hurt?
No. The scanner uses x-rays to see inside your body.
When may I eat after the test?
As soon as the exam is over.
How will I get the results of the CT scan?
After the scan is finished, our board-certified radiologist will interpret the study and send a report to your doctor within 24 hours.
What is 3D CT?
3D CT is a three dimensional post processing procedure. The information acquired from the scan is sent to a 3D workstation. There the images are manipulated to forma real time 3D model. This model can be viewed in all different types of planes. This aids the Radiologist in his interpretation; it also helps the referring physician.