What is CT?
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Computed tomography (CT), more commonly known as a CAT scan, obtains multiple graphical images of body parts from many different angles using special x-ray equipment. These images are then joined together to form three-dimensional graphical cross-sections.
CAT Scans are so detailed that it can show, and distinguish between, bone tissue, soft tissue, internal organs, muscles and tumors, empowering physicians with a unique tool to diagnose medical conditions and aid their treatment. Using X-rays beams that pass through the body to measure how different tissues absorb different amounts of radiation, CT scans build an anatomical picture of an area of the body under investigation.
Why CT?
CT is more powerful and more detailed than conventional x-rays. Conventional X-ray scans are rays of electromagnetic radiation used to diagnose and treat trauma and disease. When x-ray beams pass through the body, 2-dimensional images are created based on shadows made by body structures in the area being photographed. The image depends on the body structure's absorption of the x-rays.
CT scans, on the other hand, produce a 3-dimensional cross-section of a particular body part. These images, too, are measures of x-ray absorption; however, many slices of the body join together to form an image.
A total body scan creates images of nearly the entire body. The images typically run from the chin to below the hips. This procedure is a very useful tool for screening or scanning the body for signs of disease, a sort of preventative form of health care.
How do I Prepare for my CT Scan?
What To Wear
You should dress in comfortable clothing. If you are wearing jewelry or anything else that might interfere with your scan, we will ask you to remove it.
Medications
It is important for you to keep to your regular medication schedule. Please take all the medications that have been prescribed to you by your doctor. Just let our staff know what medications you have taken prior to your test.
If you are having a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, you will have to drink a special contrast agent, which you can pick up at any of our offices.
You will be given instructions by our staff on how to prepare. For same day appointments, Elite Imaging will assist you in preparation.
Food and Drink
You should not eat solid foods for two hours prior to your test. You may, however, drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, clear soups, juice, or black decaffeinated coffee or tea.
If you have had outside CT scans of the same area as your scheduled exam with us, please try to bring those films with you. This allows our doctors to immediately compare your studies and advise your doctor of any significant changes.
What can I expect during a CT scan?
The CT Scan is a painless procedure. However, a CT scan often requires the patient to lie still in one position for a long period of time. It also often requires the patient to hold his or her breath for a few seconds at a time.
Before the procedure, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove metallic objects, such as jewelry and dentures, which may interfere with the image quality of the exam. You will be asked to fill out a brief history sheet, which gives us valuable information about whether or not you have diabetes, heart disease, asthma, chronic lung disease, kidney disease, and allergies. Always inform the technologist doing the exam if you think you may be pregnant.
If your exam requires IV contrast, an intravenous line will be established prior to the exam. If you are more than 65 years old or if you have kidney disease, a simple blood test will have to be obtained first.
With your safety in mind, we exclusively use the newer kind of IV contrast agent called non-ionic contrast. As opposed to the traditional ionic contrast agents, this newer contrast agent is better tolerated by the majority of our patients, with a lower incidence of GI upset and allergic reactions.
After analyzing and interpreting the images, an Elite Imaging Radiologist will send the report to your doctor and will discuss any urgent findings with your physician.
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