C.T. SCAN
What is a C.T. Scan?
A C.T. scan is an x-ray procedure enhanced by a computer. This results in a 3-D
view referred to as a ‘slice’ of a particular part of your body. During a routine xray the dense tissues can block other areas. Aided by the computer, a C.T. scan
is able to put together the different slices and create a 3-D view that clearly
shows both bone and soft tissue.
Uses of C.T. Scans
C.T. Scans can show brain structures which a conventional x-ray cannot. A C.T.
Scan can also distinguish bone, tissue, fat, gas and fluid. They can determine if a
growth is solid or fluid-filled and if an organ is a normal size and shape. CT
Scans are routinely used to diagnose:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Back Problems
Blood Clots
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Enlarged Ventricles
Lung Cancer, Pancreatic Disease
Tumors
OUTPATIENT C.T. SCAN
1. Your physician’s office will call the Radiology Department to schedule the
exam(s).
2. Your physician will give you a signed order for this test. You must bring
the physician's order sheet with you. You will need it to register as an
outpatient at the hospital. Without this order sheet the test cannot be
completed and you will be required to reschedule your exam.
3. Arrive at the Outpatient Registration Desk at least 20 minutes before your
test to allow plenty of time for the Outpatient registration process.
4. The actual procedure time takes between 15 minutes and 2 hours.
5. When the scan is finished, the images will be reviewed for quality. If
additional images are required, they will usually be taken right away.
6. If you were pre-medicated or medicated due to an allergic reaction you
may be asked to stay awhile and recover.
NOTE: Please be aware most CT exams require an injection of various
types of medication, and / or oral medication. The medication
prescribed by the Radiologist will depend on the type of C.T. Scan
ordered by your Physician. Most tests require an iodine contrast
injection prior to the exam.
Persons at Risk for Reactions to X-Ray Contrast Media
Be sure to tell your physician if:
•
•
•
You have a history of previous reactions to contrast medium
(iodine)
You have an allergic disorder
You are allergic to any medications, particularly Iodine, Prednisone,
or Barium Sulfate.
You may be required to take medication prior to the CT exam. Your
Physician will provide the prescription and instructions.
Patients who are:
•
•
•
•
•
Diabetic
Have a solitary kidney
Have had a kidney transplant
Have a history of renal failure
Have multiple myeloma
MUST have a creatinine level with results (a blood test that measures your
kidney function) before the C.T. Scan can be performed. Your Physician
will give you an order for this test.
Appointment Changes and Test Results
•
•
•
If you must cancel or reschedule your appointment, call the
Radiology Department at 898-1161. Please call at least 24 hours in
advance.
After the exam is completed and read by our Radiologist, results
will be available to the patient through the ordering physician in 72
hours.
You will receive two bills for the procedure performed- One from the
hospital and one from the Radiologist for reading the exam.
Childcare
If you have young children, please make arrangements for a baby-sitter or
childcare before your exam date. As a precaution, children are not allowed in the
examination room and may not be left in the hospital lobby unattended.
OUTPATIENT C.T. SCAN PREP
The following C.T. tests require no special preparation before the scan
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cervical Spine
Thoracic Spine
Lumbar Spine
Sinus
Extremities (Legs, Arms)
Head / Brain
Kidney Stone Protocol
C.T. Scan Abdomen:
Oral contrast will be administered to the patient prior to the exam by the C.T.
Technologist in the C.T. Suite
• You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) 3 hours prior to the C.T. Scan.
• If you are in any of the “Risk for Reaction” categories listed above, you
may also need to pre-medicate with a Prednisone Preparation provided by
your Physician
• If you need a creatinine test, your Physician will give you an order.
C.T. Scan Pelvis:
The prep for C.T. Pelvis requires you to take oral contrast (Barium Sulfate)
You must pick this up from the Radiology Department.
The prep for C.T. Pelvis:
1) 450 ml of CT Barium Sulfate 2 hours prior to exam
2) 450 ml of CT Barium 1 ½ hours prior to exam
• You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) 4 hours prior to the C.T. Scan.
• If you are in any of the “Risk for Reaction” categories listed above, you
may also need to pre-medicate with a Prednisone Preparation provided by
your Physician
• If you need a creatinine test, your Physician will give you an order.
C.T. Chest w/ Contrast Prep
The prep for C.T. of the chest is as follows:
•
•
•
You must be NPO (do not eat or drink) for three (3) hours prior to the C.T.
Scan.
If you are in any of the "Risk for Reaction" categories listed above, you
may also need to take a Prednisone Preparation - prescribed by your
physician
If you need a creatinine test, your Physician will give you an order.