Computerized Tomography (CT)

What is CT?

Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning is a radiological imaging technique that uses x-rays to make cross-sectional images of your body.  Because of this, CT images are typically referred to as "slices" that allow the Radiologists to view inside the body. These slices show healthy and diseased tissues inside the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and extremities.

CT imaging can be performed with or without a contrast agent depending on the type of information the physician is trying to obtain.  The studies using contrast agents require special patient preparation.

AT SSR, CT imaging studies include

Patient Preparation

Preparing for a CT scan depends on what part of the body is being imaged.  You may be asked to remove any metal objects that may interfere with the scan (such as dentures, hairpins or jewelry) and wear comfortable metal-free clothing.

In general, patients receiving contrast will require more patient preparation that those patients receiving no contrast.  The contrast agent is either consumed orally, injected directly into the patients’ blood stream, or both depending on the procedure. For example, most scans of the abdomen and pelvis require patients to drink a contrast agent that allows their stomach and intestines to show up, as well as an injection of “x-ray dye” through an IV.

For scans requiring contrast, an IV is started to safely administer x-ray dye into a vein in the arm, wrist, or hand area.  When patients are given x-ray dye, some experience a strange smell and/or taste. Often times, this contrast makes patients feel warm in their neck, abdomen and extremities, and gives them the sensation that they are going to urinate. These sensations can last approximately two minutes, and are nothing to worry about. Allergic reactions to the x-ray day are very uncommon, but can occur.

Patients who require an oral contrast agent will be asked to pick this up prior to their appointment.

Please telephone SSR as soon as you are aware of your appointment to be given detailed exam instructions.

Be sure to let us know if you:

History of previous exams

Have you had any prior studies of the area we are going to be imaging? It is important to give this information to SSR prior to your exam. Be sure to include the facility name and approximate dates/years of exams. This helps us to locate the correct studies and have them available for our Radiologists so they can compare and note any changes that have occurred. If you have a copy of your images, please bring them with you to your appointment.

Exam

• On the day of your exam wear comfortable, metal-free clothing and remember to remove all metal objects such as jewelry, hairpins or dentures.
• When you arrive at SSR, a receptionist will give you all of your registration materials. To expedite check in, these materials can be printed online and filled out prior to your appointment by clicking here.
• At the time of your appointment, a technologist will take you to a changing room. You will discuss your medical history, be told about the scan and have a chance to ask questions. It is important that you inform the technologist of any medications you are taking, as well as any allergies you have. In addition, inform the technologist of any history of heart disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, thyroid problems or pregnancy.
• Once all your questions have been answered you will be taken to the CT room and positioned on a padded table. The table will slide into the CT scanner, which looks similar to a large ring. The table will move while the scanner takes pictures, which are reviewed by our Radiologists on a computer workstation. Although the exam is painless, some patients find it uncomfortable to remain still.
• Generally, CT scans average less than 15 minutes in the exam room. Patients should plan on spending at least one hour at our facility. This will allow sufficient time for registration, exam and image processing.

Results

For most scans, it takes 24 to 48 hours for your physician to receive the Radiologist's report. Usually, your physician will discuss the results of the study with you and make plans for treating any symptoms you may be experiencing. You will be given a copy of your exam on a CD.

Schedule an Appointment

 Has your physician given you an order or referral for this procedure? Call SSR’s Scheduling Specialists at 360-493-4646 to schedule an appointment. Or, click here for additional information regarding scheduling an appointment.

More Information

 For more information about this and other procedures, visit RadiologyInfo.org.