CT stands for computed tomography. This technique uses x-rays to make images of your body that are viewed in a cross sectional way. A CT image typically is thought of as a "slice" and allows the radiologist to look inside the body. CT shows healthy and diseased tissues inside the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities.
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You will lie on a table and be slid inside the CT scanner, which looks like a large ring. While you remain still, the x-ray emitter and detectors are spun around you gathering information used by the computer to make the slice images. The images are then digitally archived and the radiologist reviews them on a computer workstation.
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The answer is Yes. Many CT scans require the use of contrast agents to make parts of the body show up on a CT scan. For most scans of the abdomen and pelvis, you will drink a contrast agent that will allow your stomach and intestines to show up. For scans of the neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis, an intravenous contrast agent also called x-ray dye is often injected. When patients are given the x-ray dye they sometimes experience a strange smell and/or taste. It can often times make them feel warm in their neck, abdomen, extremities and give them the sensation that they are going to urinate. These sensations can last approximately two minutes. Please telephone South Sound Radiologists as soon as you are aware of your appointment to review exam instruction.
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There is no pain caused from having a CT scan.
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CT scans allow radiologists to look at the inside of your body. Usually, these scans help reassure you and your doctor that everything is normal. Sometimes a CT scan will reveal a finding that allows your doctor to treat a disease early and this can save you valuable time. CT is often used to monitor the effectiveness of different treatments for patients with cancer.
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If there is a very worrisome finding on the scan, the radiologist will inform your doctor right away. For most scans, it takes 24 to 48 hours for the radiologist's report to make it to your doctor. Usually, your doctor will discuss the results of the study with you and make plans for treating any symptoms you may be experiencing.
IMAGE ARCHIVE POLICY
Your study will be digitally achived. SSR no longer stores Ultrasound, CT or MRI images. You will be provided with one imaging copy of the study for your personal medical record. Many referring offices request images of your studies in order to facilitate your diagnosis and treatment. Once you have completed your assessment with the attending clinician you should receive these images back for your personal retention. Images are marked with stickers that indicate “Original Images Property of the Patient”.
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The time it takes to complete the scan is generally only a few minutes. There is a considerable amount of "set up" time needed for each scan. The exam itself usually will average ½ hour in the exam room. On average, plan on spending at least 1 ½ hours at our facility. This will allow sufficient time for registration, exam and image processing.
If you have had any prior imaging studies of the area we are going to be scanning it is important to call that information in to SSR prior to your exam. The name of the facility and approximate dates/years is very helpful so we can locate those studies and have them available for the Radiologist so he can compare and note any changes that have occurred.
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