What is CT?
Computed Tomography (CT) transmits very low doses of radiation toward the internal area being tested, and records the amount of radiation received on the opposite side of the body.
Body structures having higher densities allow less of the radiation to pass through than structures having lower densities. The resulting variations in the amounts of radiation recorded are used to produce a visual image that corresponds to your internal body structures.
Unlike a standard X-ray, CT is a complex scanning technique that spins around the patient, collecting information from multiple angles. A computer then generates a detailed cross-sectional image of the area being examined. CT equipment can also produce three-dimensional images of internal organs. The most recent method of producing three-dimensional CT images involves a continuous “spiral” scan of a body area. As the X-ray transmitter and small X-ray receivers spin around the patient, they also move slowly along the patient, recording information in a pathway resembling fine threads in a screw.
You may need to receive “contrast” during your CT scan. The contrast can be oral, IV, or both. Each one has a specific purpose. The IV contrast highlights the blood vessels and structures fed with blood vessels. The oral contrast highlights the Gastro-Intestinal tract and Colon.
Our IV contrast is non-ionic, which greatly reduces the chance of an allergic reaction. Our oral contrast, which has no known allergies, comes in various flavors. This is not the “old chalky stuff” you had to drink at another facility. We currently offer a more pleasing selection of Berry and Vanilla flavored oral contrast.
During our appointment confirmation
You will be asked specific questions:
• If you are over the age of 40.
• If you have a history of Kidney disease
• If you are diabetic
• If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant
• If this part of your body has been imaged outside of our facility
• If you are allergic to any medications, seafood, or iodine
• If you experienced an allergic reaction to IV CT contrast in the past.
Special attention is needed for patients in these categories. Our office staff will inform you of what course of action may need to be taken before your exam is performed.
Before the CT begins
You may be asked to remove your watch, jewelry, or garments with metal closures from the part of your body being imaged because they may block part of the image. You may also be asked to put on a gown. The exam usually takes 15-30 minutes.
How do I prepare for my CT?
Head or Brain with IV contrast
CT Angiogram with IV contrast
Soft Tissue Neck with IV contrast
Chest or Thorax with IV contrast
Abdomen without contrast – (Stone Study)
• NPO 4 hours before exam.
Abdomen with Oral contrast ONLY
• NPO 4 hours before exam.
• Drink 1 bottle of oral RediCat and finish 1 hour before the exam.
Abdomen with Oral and IV contrast
• NPO 4 hours before exam.
• Drink 1 bottle of oral RediCat and finish 1 hour before the exam.
Abdomen/Pelvis or Pelvis with Oral contrast ONLY
• NPO 4 hours before exam.
• Two bottles of RediCat must be consumed.
• Drink 1 bottle of oral RediCat and finish 2 hours before the exam.
• Drink 1 bottle of oral RediCat and finish 1 hour before the exam.
Abdomen/Pelvis or Pelvis with Oral and IV contrast
• NPO 4 hours before exam.
• Two bottles of RediCat must be consumed.
• Drink 1 bottle of oral RediCat and finish 2 hours before the exam.
• Drink 1 bottle of oral RediCat and finish 1 hour before the exam.
The following CT scans do not require any prep:
Sinuses / Head or Brain without IV contrast / SoftTissue Neck without IV contrast / Cervical, Thoracic and Lumbar Spines / All extremities without IV contrast / Chest or Thorax without IV contrast
Please note…
It is fully understood some preps cause a degree of discomfort. Please remember your doctor ordered the CT exam for a specific reason. Each prep will assist in the successful visualization of the structures needed for evaluation.
