MedCross Imaging - CT OR CAT SCAN

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MedCross Imaging LLC - CT OR CAT SCAN
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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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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, cross-sectional
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.
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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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For more information about MedCross Imaging LLC
visit us on http//medcrossimagingllc.com/