CT stands for Computed Tomography. CT gives detailed information by taking cross-sectional images throughout the body on a spiral scanner. CT scan, like conventional x-ray, uses radiation. Depending on the type of exam your physician orders, you may have to drink a flavored liquid before your exam (Barium-oral contrast) and/or receive an injection of contrast material. Contrast allows for better visualization of certain organs within the body. The CT equipment has a table that goes through a gantry, a donut shaped opening. Exams take 5 minutes to 20 minutes. Click Here for Patient Preps BUN Creatinine Policy If your physician has ordered IV contrast and you are: over 60 years ofage for MRI, or 65 years of age for CT, or are diabetic, have a history of kidney disease, kidney failure, or have one kidney, you will need to have BUN and Creatinine (kidney function) blood work within 30 days of your exam. The results will need to be sent, faxed or brought to our office at the time of the exam. This information will be needed before we can perform the exam. In most cases, your primary care physician will need to order BUN Creatinine blood work

What to Expect During a CT Examination
Most CT examinations are similar and include the following steps:

1. Patients should wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for their CT exam. Patient preparation for a CT examination involves removing any articles of clothing or jewelry that might degrade the CT images, such as belts, earrings, bras, glasses, dentures, hairpins, etc. In some cases, the patient may be asked to wear a patient gown (such as CT imaging of the body). Many CT examinations require the oral or intravenous administration of a contrast agent, a liquid material that enhances the images of the organs and/or blood vessels.
2. The technologist positions the patient on the specialized CT table. The area of interest is positioned inside the CT gantry opening. Some types of CT examination may require the patient to be positioned in a special head holder. Soft straps may be used to help position and immobilize the patient's head.
3. Once the patient is comfortably and correctly positioned, the technologist leaves the CT patient room. For many types of CT, the patient is asked to hold their breath and remain perfectly still for a few moments up to about 30 seconds while the technologist acquires the CT data set. During the CT examination, the technologist and patient can communicate at any time using an intercom. The technologist watches the patient during the study and monitors the progress of the image acquisition during the study.
4. Patients should lie still and relax during a CT study. Patients may hear the CT scanner rotating during the study. Depending upon the type of study being performed and the model of CT scanner being used, the whirring noise may be very quiet or more noticeable. The table will move very slowly during the CT data acquisition.
5. Some CT studies will require the technologist to come into the patient room in the middle of the exam to administer the contrast media via injection. If I.V. contrast is to be given, you will be asked to sign a consent form: If you have allergies or previous history of reaction to I.V. contrast, please let us know. Patients taking Meformin (Glucophage) must be off this medication for 48 hours after the exam. If you are having your abdomen or pelvis scanned, you will be given more oral contrast.
6. Once the CT examination is complete, the technologist will ask the patient to get dressed and wait while the CT images are reviewed, either on film or monitor. After the CT images are reviewed, the patient will be released from the imaging center.

POST-TEST GUIDELINES
Patients can resume normal activities immediately.
If patients have ingested a barium contrast agent, they are asked to drink fluids following the test for hydration and to speed its excretion.

Computed Tomography (CT) is available at the following locations: