WHAT IS CT?
Computed tomography (CT), also referred to as computerized axial tomography (CAT), is an x-ray technique that uses a special scanner and a computer to create cross-sectional images of the body. The CT Scan produces clearer, more detailed images of the part of the body being examined than can be accomplished by x-rays and is the preferred cross-sectional imaging test in most cases for examination of the chest, abdomen, pelvis, sinus, ear and some bones.

WHAT TO EXPECT
You will be asked to lie on a table that slides into a large, circular opening in the doughnut shaped CT scanner. Just prior to each x-ray exposure, you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. A succession of x-ray beams are passed through the body from many different directions. Detectors in the scanner receive these beams and send signals to a computer. The computer processes these signals and produces a cross-sectional image on a viewing monitor. The electronic digital images are then recorded for the radiologist to interpret.

Certain CT Scans are performed with a contrast agent. Your referring doctor will decide if contrast is advisable. For CT of the Abdomen and/or Pelvis, you may be required to drink a flavored drink containing a barium contrast material which highlights the hollow digestive organ on the images. You will need to drink one bottle of contrast 2 hours prior to your scan and the other bottle one hour prior to the scan.  You should not eat or drink anything 2 hours prior to the scan, unless instructed otherwise.  For some CT scans, you may need intravenous injection of iodinated contrast to help make blood vessels, organs or abnormalities show up better on the scan. Our staff will give you the specific instructions before your exam.

A CT scan may range from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the type of scan performed. You may ask the technologist before the exam what the expected duration of the exam will be.