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CT SCAN

Computerized tomography (CT scan) also called CT — combines a series of X-ray views taken from many different angles and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the bones and soft tissues inside your body.
The resulting images can be compared to looking down at single slices of bread from a loaf. Your doctor will be able to look at each of these slices individually or perform additional visualization to view your body from different angles. In some cases, CT images can be combined to create 3-D images. CT scan images can provide much more information than do plain X-rays.
A CT scan has many uses, but is particularly well suited to quickly examine people who may have internal injuries from car accidents or other types of trauma. A CT scan can be used to visualize nearly all parts of the body.

Why it’s done

Your doctor may recommend a CT scan to help :
  • Diagnose muscle and bone disorders, such as bone tumors and fractures
  • Pinpoint the location of a tumor, infection or blood clot
  • Guide procedures such as surgery, biopsy and radiation therapy
  • Detect and monitor diseases and conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung nodules and liver masses
  • Detect internal injuries and internal bleeding
Patient Safety Tips Prior to a Diagnostic Exam
  • Please let us know if you have any allergies or adverse reactions to medications if your doctor requested any exam with contrast.
  • Please leave your valuables (jewelry) at home or in secured dressing room.
  • Please let us now if you need interpreting services, this can be arranged for you.
How you prepare

How you prepare for a CT scan depends on which part of your body is being scanned. You may be asked to:

  • Please wear cotton thin clothing with no metals or buttons. The technologist will determine if you will need to change into a hospital gown.
  • Remove any metal objects, such as a belt or jewelry, which might interfere with image results.
  • Stop eating for 4 hours before your scan, if the exam requires it.
Contrast material

A special dye called a contrast material is needed for some CT scans, to help highlight the areas of your body being examined. The contrast material blocks X-rays and appears white on images, which can help emphasize blood vessels, intestines or other structures.

Contrast material can enter your body in a variety of ways:

  • Oral. If your esophagus or stomach is being scanned, you may need to swallow a liquid that contains contrast material.
  • Injection. Contrast agents can be injected through a vein in your arm, to help view your gallbladder, urinary tract, liver or blood vessels. You may experience a feeling of warmth during the injection or a metallic taste in your mouth.

If your doctor has prescribed an exam with contrast, one of our staff members will give you instructions prior to your arrival. You may continue to take your medications.

What you can expect

CT scans are painless andtypically take only a few minutes to complete. Total exam time can be 15-30 minutes.

During the CT scan
CT scanners are shaped like a large doughnut standing on its side. You lie on a narrow table that slides into the “doughnut hole,” which is called a gantry. Straps and pillows may help you stay in position. During a CT scan of the head, the table may be fitted with a special cradle that holds your head still.

The table will move slowly through the gantry during the CT scan, as the gantry rotates in a circle around you. Each rotation yields several images of thin slices of your body. You may hear buzzing, clicking and whirring noises.

A technologist will be nearby, in a separate room. You will be able to communicate with the technologist via intercom. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath at certain points to avoid blurring the images.
After the CT scan

After the exam you can return to your normal routine. If you were given a contrast material, you may receive special instructions. In some cases, you may be asked to wait for a short time before leaving to ensure that you feel well after the exam. After the scan, you’ll likely be told to drink lots of fluids to help your kidneys remove the contrast material from your body. If the area where the IV tube was placed inside your vein is red, swollen or sore, you should put a warm, wet towel on the area four times a day for 15-20 minutes. If swelling continues for more than 24 hours, you should call your doctor.

Risks

During a CT scan, you’re briefly exposed to radiation. This radiation from imaging tests has a very small potential to increase your risk of cancer. Still, CT scans have many benefits that may outweigh potential risks. We use the lowest dose of radiation possible. Talk with your doctor about the benefits and risks of your CT scan.

Harm to unborn babies

Please tell us or your doctor if you’re pregnant. Another type of exam may be recommended, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to avoid the risk of exposing your fetus to the radiation.

Reactions to contrast material

In certain cases, your doctor may recommend you receive a special dye called a contrast material through a vein in your arm before your CT scan. Although rare, the contrast material can cause medical problems or allergic reactions. Most reactions are mild and result in a rash or itchiness. In rare instances, an allergic reaction can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had a reaction to contrast material.

Results
CT images are stored as electronic data files and usually reviewed on a computer screen. A radiologist interprets these images and sends a report to your doctor within a 48 hour period.

The strength of your bones is important. Quantitative CT evaluates bone density to detect and diagnose osteoporosis – a potentially life altering condition.

Bone strength is a fundamental part of every human’s physical health. A quantitative CT is a scan that MRI Imaging Center of Fresno, Inc performs for patients to test bone strength and other skeletal diseases that thousands of people suffer from each year. Some of these diseases, such as osteoporosis, are life altering for patients who do not get the proper treatment for their condition.

What is Quantitative CT?

Quantitative CT is a test that allows doctors to test bone density and strength in patients. It is used mostly to diagnose patients who are suffering from osteoporosis. The techniques for performing this test were developed in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, but have since been perfected to diagnose a number of bone density problems.

Preparing for Quantitative CT

Patients who need a quantitative CT scan should prepare for a process where images are captured via x-ray. Elderly patients may need some additional help for the procedures if lying down on the table is too difficult for them.

During and After Quantitative CT

After being given the proper clothing to wear for the quantitative CT, patients will be taken to a table where they will be asked to lie down for the scan. The patient will then be moved on the table into the large tube-like area of the CT equipment where a 3-dimensional image will be created around the spine and hip. The test will create 3-D images. The degeneration of bones should be visible in the image before the exam is over. Afterwards, there are no special considerations that need to be made.