MedCross Imaging LLC - CT OR CAT SCAN

SUMMARY

MedCross Imaging - WHAT IS A CT OR CAT SCAN?

MedCross Imaging - WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CT OR CAT SCAN?
MedCross Imaging - PREPARING FOR A CT OR CAT SCAN
MedCross Imaging - PREPARING FOR AN ABDOMINAL CT SCAN
MedCross Imaging - CT OR CAT SCAN RESULTS

MedCross Imaging - WHAT IS A CT OR CAT SCAN?

Computed tomography more commonly referred to as

CT, CT scan or CAT scan uses x-rays and advanced
computer technology to generate detailed cross-sectional,
and if needed, three-dimensional views of the bodys
internal organs and body structures. CT scans are used to
identify normal and abnormal body structures, as well as
guide procedures. The exam is painless.

MedCross Imaging - WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CT OR CAT SCAN?

The CT scanner is a large donut-shaped machine that takes x-rays at different angles
around the body. A CT technologist will explain the procedure to the patient and
have the patient lie down on a narrow table. The CT technologist will move to a
room adjacent to the exam area where s/he can observe the patient, supervise the
exam and monitor the images on the screen.
The table will glide through the scanners donut hole, while the technologist, via
intercom, instructs the patient to lie very still, and on occasion, hold his/her breath as
the x-rays are taken. The donut ring will rotate around the patient, taking x-rays
from all angles. Often a clicking or buzzing sound is heard as the table moves and
the cylinder turns.

The digital x-rays are processed on a computer to produce

high resolution image slices of the body, which are
visualized on the computer monitor.
The actual CT scan takes only minutes, but, depending
upon the area being scanned, exam times are from 15 to
30 minutes.
Some CT exams require a contrast material to highlight
areas of the body. Depending upon the area being
scanned, the contrast may be given orally, intravenously,
or a combination of methods.

MedCross Imaging - PREPARING FOR A CT OR CAT SCAN

Patients are asked to notify their healthcare provider if they are
pregnant; have asthma or allergies to medications, contrast dye,
iodine or shellfish; or have certain medical conditions such as
diabetes, asthma, heart disease, kidney problems or thyroid
conditions.
Patients are generally asked to not eat or drink anything for at least
four hours prior to the exam. If CT oral contrast is ordered, drink it
according to the directions and time provided for the specific CT
exam.

Once at PIC, patients will change into a gown and be asked to remove jewelry and
watches. A locker is available to secure clothing and personal items. The
technologist will review the procedure and if needed, provide the patient with
additional CT oral contrast to drink. If intravenous contrast is needed, it will be
administered at the start of the exam. Patients may experience a warm sensation
throughout the body after the contrast injection and a metallic taste in the mouth.
These sensations typically disappear in a few minutes.
Occasionally a patient may be allergic to the contrast material. Reactions may
include sneezing, hives or difficulty breathing. Anyone having a reaction will be
treated prior to his or her release.
After the procedure, drink plenty of fluids for several hours to assist in flushing out
the contrast material. Normal activity and diet can be resumed.

MedCross Imaging - PREPARING FOR AN ABDOMINAL CT SCAN

Do not eat or drink anything four (4) hours prior to examination. Thirty
minutes before exam, drink one bottle of oral CT contrast. This
contrast is available at our Front Desk, or often is given to you by your
healthcare provider when the exam is scheduled.
If the exam is scheduled after 9 a.m., drink one bottle of oral CT
contrast three hours prior to the exam time. Do not eat anything after
the first bottle of oral CT contrast. Thirty minutes prior to the exam,
drink a second bottle of oral CT contrast.
If intravenous contrast is needed, it will be administered at the start of
the exam. Patients may experience a warm sensation throughout the
body after the contrast injection and a metallic taste in the mouth.
These sensations typically disappear in a few minutes.

MedCross Imaging - CT OR CAT SCAN RESULTS

Images from the CT exam are reviewed and interpreted by a MedCross radiologist,
who will dictate a report, which is transcribed and sent to the healthcare provider
who ordered the exam. Patients should contact their healthcare provider for the
results of their CT exam.
Abdominal CT or CAT Scan
Because CT imaging is a non-invasive procedure that shows detailed, crosssectional views of all types of tissue, it is becoming the preferred method for
visualizing and diagnosing diseases of the liver, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, bladder,
bowel and colon.

Abdominal CT scans are also used to visualize needle placement during biopsies
of abdominal organs and tumors or during fluid aspiration from the abdomen. CT
is used to monitor tumors and other conditions of the abdomen before and after
treatment, and to detect, diagnose and treat vascular disorders that may lead to
stroke, gangrene or kidney failure. The CTs acute detail and accuracy may
eliminate the need for invasive exploratory surgery and surgical biopsy. Please
note, CT accuracy may be compromised due to metallic objects in the abdomen,
such as surgical clips, barium in the intestines from a recent barium study; and
stool and/or gas in the bowel. Please advise the CT technologist if you have clips
or have had a recent barium study.

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