What is a CT scan?
A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images to produce a three-dimensional image of bones and soft tissues. CT scans provide more information than traditional X-rays. With a CT scan, healthcare professionals are able to see your body in great detail. A CT scan is the same as a CAT scan.
You can receive a CT scan on any part of your body. The process is relatively fast, and it is painless.
How do CT scans work?
The CT scan has a cylindrical-shaped tube that rotates the X-ray around a patient. Beams and detectors measure the amount of radiation being absorbed by your body. The X-ray captures images from several different angles, each an individual, two-dimensional slice of your body. Then, a computer uses these images to create a cross-sectional image.
Why are CT scans performed?
CT imaging is one of the most accurate tools for examining tissue. A CT scan can be performed on children in addition to adults. Your doctor might recommend a CT scan to pinpoint the location of an infection, blood clot, or tumor. CT scans can also help diagnose muscle and bone disorders. CT scans are able to monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments, detect internal injuries, and guide surgical procedures.
How should I prepare for a CT scan?
Your healthcare provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your scan. In general, you should plan on arriving early. You should avoid eating and drinking in the four hours before your test. Your healthcare provider will instruct you regarding taking your regular medications.
You should wear comfortable clothes to the exam, and you might have to change into a gown when you arrive. Certain objects such as zippers can obstruct your scan, so you may be asked to remove any jewelry, dentures, hearing aids, and piercings.
CT Scans at A.T. Radiology
If you have any questions regarding your upcoming CT scan, please call us at 863-419-8832.
What happens during the scan?
During the scan, the technologist will position you on the exam table, typically lying on your back. Straps and pillows might be used to help you remain still and maintain the position. Motion can cause blurring of the images, so it is important to stay still. If the exam uses contrast material called dye, you will most likely swallow it, or it will be injected through an intravenous line (IV).
At first, the table will move through the scanner quickly to determine the starting position for the scans. After this, the actual CT scan will take place. The table will move you through the scanner slowly. The number of passes depends on the type of scan.
After the scan is complete, the technologist will ask you to wait until they verify the quality of the images. They need to ensure that the radiologist can interpret the images accurately. When they verify that the quality is high, you will be able to leave.
How long does the scan take, and how long will it take to get results?
A CT scan typically takes around one hour. The scan itself takes 10-30 minutes, and the rest of the time is spent in preparation. The scan results take about 24 hours — during this period, a radiologist will review your scan and compile a report explaining the results. If the CT scan is in an emergency setting, healthcare providers will often receive test results in an hour.
After the radiologist and your healthcare provider review the results, you will receive a call, or you will have an additional appointment to discuss the results.
