What is a CT Scan imaging?

A computerized axial tomography scan is more commonly known by its abbreviated name, CAT scan or CT scan.  It is an x-ray procedure which combines many x-ray images with the aid of a computer to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional images of the internal organs and structures of the body.

A CAT scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures in the body.  A large donut-shaped x-ray machine takes x-ray images at many different angles around the body.  These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the body.  In each of these pictures the body is seen as an x-ray "slice" of the body, which is recorded on a film.  This recorded images is called a tomogram.  "Computerized Axial Tomography" refers to the recorded tomogram "sections" at different levels of the body.

magine the body as a loaf of bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf.  As you remove each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice from the crust to the center.  The body is seen on CAT scan slices in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body being examined.  When these levels are further "added" together, a three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure can be obtained

What can I expect during my CT exam?

When you enter the CT scan room, you will be asked to lie on the CT table.  If you need an IV, the technologist (person performing your exam) will start one at this time.  The technologist will explain the procedure to you, instruct you on holding still, breathing, and describe any sensations that you may experience.
 
Once you are correctly positioned on the table, you will be asked to relax and not move.  The technologist will leave the room and begin the scanning procedure from the computer console.
 
The Technologist can see and hear you at all times, and can communicate with you via the intercom.
 
Preliminary scans are completed.  No intravenous (IV) contrast is required for these scans.  The technologist will use the preliminary scans to set-up the rest of the exam, and this may take a couple of minutes.  When the technologist is satisfied with the scanning parameters, you will be informed that the scan will begin.  At this time the intravenous contrast will be injected if needed.  Depending on the type of scan, the table may move in increments or one continuous movement. 
 
The total examination time is usually 15-20 minutes long.  The technologist will check on you after the scan is completed and remove the IV if one was started.  You may leave the scan room at this time and return to normal activities unless otherwise instructed.  The technologist will give you easy to follow instructions if required.

Then the radiologist will review all the images and dictate the final report. A radiologist is a physician who has been specially trained in Cat Scan as well as many other imaging modalities such as MRI, Ultrasound and General X-Ray.  The radiologist will dictate a final report with his or her interpretation.  A copy of the final report will then be sent to the patients referring physician. 

How do I prepare for my CT exam?

Any exams that are ordered with (IV) intravenous contrast require the patient to not eat or drink 3-4 hours prior to the exam. The patient may take medications with a small amount of water if needed.

Lab work (BUN and Creatinine) is required for patients 60 years old and over, and ALL diabetic patients regardless of age. Lab work should preferably be 30 days within the exam date, 60 days at most. Diabetic patients must discontinue Glucophage, Glucovance, Metformin, and/or Advandamet the day of the exam, and 48 hours thereafter.

Abdomen and/or pelvic exams require the patient to drink an oral contrast. They may pick up the contrast at the Wellington office at least one day or more prior to their exam. Instructions on when to drink the contrast will be given and are included in the prep kit to help remind the patient. If the patient does not pick-up a prep kit, they are required to arrive for their exam at least one hour early to drink the contrast at the facility. Once the patient has finished drinking the contrast, it will be at least an hour before they are scanned in order to insure the contrast has traveled through the small and large intestine.

Exams ordered without (IV) intravenous contrast do not require fasting EXCEPT for abdomen and/or pelvic exams. These exams still require the patient to drink oral contrast and to not eat or drink 3-4 hours prior the exam.

An abdomen and pelvis exam ordered strictly as a STONE protocol (looking for kidney stones), are not to have IV or oral contrast, and may
therefore eat or drink prior to the exam.