Cat Scan

What is a CAT scan (CT scan)?
CT or CAT scans are noninvasive painless medical tests that help diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT scans are special x-ray tests that produce cross-sectional images of the body using x-rays and a computer. These images allow the radiologist, a medical doctor who specializes in images of the body, to look at the inside of the body just as you would look at the inside of a loaf of bread by slicing it. This type of special x-ray, in a sense, takes "pictures" of slices of the body so doctors can look right at the area of interest. CT scans are frequently used to evaluate the brain, neck, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and sinuses.

A major advantage of CT is that it is able to image blood vessels, soft tissue and bone all at the same time. Unlike conventional x-rays, CT scanning provides detailed images of many types of tissue as well as the lungs, bones and blood vessels. A diagnosis determined by CT may eliminate the need for exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy. In some cases, CT can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives.

Preparation
No extraordinary preparation needs to be taken in order for you to have a CT scan, however. It is recommended that you where comfortable attire. You may in some instances, be required to change into a gown.

It is also important that you remove all metal objects from your person; such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins as these items may affect the CT images. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.

In some cases you may be asked to not eat or drink anything for several hours before your exam, especially if a contrast material will be used. You may also be asked to take an oral contrast about an hour before your scan. You should inform your physician of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies, especially to contrast materials.

During the Exam
Most CT scans are conducted as an outpatient procedure. You have the test and then go home.

The CT scanner looks like a large donut with a narrow table in the middle. When undergoing a CT you rarely experience claustrophobia because of the openness of the doughnut shape of the scanner. Typically you lie on your back on the table, which moves through the center of the machine. You move through the scanner either head first or feet first, depending on the part of the body being scanned. For certain scans such as sinuses and middle ear, you may lie on your stomach and go through head first.

You must remain motionless for the length of the study, which is typically just a few minutes. The entire procedure, which includes set-up, the scan itself, checking the pictures, and removing the IV if needed, takes 15-30 minutes depending on what part of the body is being scanned.

• For some studies, you will be asked to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds.
• No metal may be worn.
• What clothing you wear depends on the nature of the study. For a CT of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis, for example, usually you will change into a hospital gown. For a head CT, you can wear normal street clothes.
• The machine is quiet; all you will hear during the test is a quiet whirr.
• The technologist is in the next room and can observe you through a large window at the control panel.
  

General Contraindications
In some instances it may be necessary for a contrast agent to be administered in order to complete your CT exam. The risk of a serious allergic reaction to contrast materials that contain iodine is rare, but the facility is well equipped to deal with these types of emergencies. Please inform both your physician and the technologist conducting the exam if you have any allergies to any contrast materials.

* If there is a chance of pregnancy you should inform the technologist.

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