Why do I need this Exam?

 CT scans are helpful in showing lung, bone, soft tissue, and blood  vessels very clearly, allowing radiologists to examine your body in more  detail.  This can aid in providing more accurate diagnoses for health problems such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, infection,  trauma, and muscle or bone disorders. 

Patients with pacemakers, cardioverter, or  other metallic devices can safely undergo a CT scan, as opposed to an  MRI exam. 

 Please allow approximately 30-60 minutes for most CT scans.  Scan times vary, depending upon whether an exam is performed with or without  contrast.  There may also be specific clinical concerns the doctor may  have that could affect how long your exam will take.  

1. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure
2. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures  and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or  removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids  and removable dental work.
3. You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for  several hours beforehand, especially if a contrast material will be used  in your exam. You should inform your physician of any medications you  are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to  contrast material, or "dye," your doctor may prescribe medications to  reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
4. Also inform your doctor of any recent illnesses or  other medical conditions, and if you have a history of heart disease,  asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these  conditions may increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect.
5. Women should always inform their physician and the CT technologist if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.

Patients should also inform the Technologist if they  are taking GLUCOPHAGE (METFORMIN) OR GLUCOVANCE (GLYBURIDE/METFORMIN)  for a diabetic condition or have any IODINE allergies.

BUN & Creatinine for all patients over 50, diabetic or with kidney disease.

• Abdomen/Pelvis
  Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 2 hours before exam.  Drink  1/2 bottle of barium 1 hour before exam.  No solid food should be eaten  for 8 hours before the exam.  Clear liquids may be consumed. 
• Brain/Head with contrast
  No solid foods for 4 hours before exam.  Clear liquids may be consumed. 
• Brain/Head without contrast
  No preparation is required. 
• Chest/Thorax
  No solid foods for 4 hours before exam.  Clear liquids may be consumed.
• Cervical Spine
  No preparation is required. 
• Thoracic Spine
  No preparation is required.
• Kidneys- Renal Stone Exam
  No preparation is required. 
• Lumbar Spine
  No preparation is required. 
• Neck (soft tissue)
  Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to exam. 
• Sinuses
  No preparation is required.