Our Services

Our Services - CT

CT, or Computed Tomography, produces two and three-dimensional images of the body showing details that cannot be seen on regular x-rays. 

Preparation

Dress comfortably in clothing without metal if possible. It may be necessary to change into a gown for some procedures. We recommend that you leave jewelry at home.  Bring your insurance card, list of medications and allergies, and photo ID. 

Contrast is often used for exams of the brain, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis. If your doctor has ordered a CT scan with contrast, you should refrain from solid food or dairy products for two hours prior to your exam.  You may have clear liquids or any type of juice.  Specific prep instructions, based on your medical history, will be given when the appointment is made.

 
What to Expect

The technologist will begin by asking you a series of questions about your medical history. Some of these questions may include:

• Are you pregnant?
• Do you have any allergies?
• What medications do you take?
• Do you have any pre-existing conditions such as heart, blood, or kidney disease or diabetes?
• What symptoms have you experienced recently?
• History of any type of surgery?

If you have questions or concerns about your exam, please do not hesitate to ask the technologist.

You will be asked to lie on a moveable couch. You will be comfortably positioned so that the part of your body to be examined lies in the middle of the doughnut shaped CT scanner.  You will not feel anything from the machine except the movement of the table.

Some procedures use various forms of contrast material to enhance the organs in your body. This may be in the form of a drink, an enema, and/or an injection. The contrast material contains iodine, which will help us visualize structures that may not be seen otherwise.

As the procedure begins, the table will move through the CT scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath.  At the end of the procedure, you may be asked to wait briefly to allow the images to be reviewed before you leave.


After Your Exam

You can usually resume your normal diet and activities right away. Any contrast you were given will pass naturally through your body. Drink plenty of fluids for the next 24 hours.  If you drank contrast material, it may cause a mild laxative effect for a short time. If you received IV contrast and take Metformin (Glucophage or Glucovance), you must be off this medication for at least 48 hours after the exam. Your physician may want to do lab work before you resume this medication. Check with your doctor's office for these instructions.

A Board Certified radiologist will interpret your study and provide a written report to your doctor.  Your doctor should provide you with information about these and other diagnostic findings, along with any further recommendations.