Home | CT | Your Visit | What to Expect: Before, During and After
What to Expect: Before, During and After
"CT" stands for computed tomography. A CT scan uses a circular-shaped machine with a center opening to record images of body parts that cannot be seen on regular X-rays. With CT images, a physician can diagnose medical conditions and determine the best course of treatment.
Prior to your visit, our staff will call you to obtain medical and personal information. They will provide any necessary instructions to prepare for your exam. You are encouraged to wear comfortable loose fitting clothing for your CT exam.
During the exam, you are comfortably and correctly positioned on a cushioned table and are asked to relax during the study to ensure the quality of the images. Our technologist will communicate with you throughout the exam to ensure that you understand what is happening throughout the scan. In some CT studies, an IV contrast agent may be required. This contrast is administered as an injection, usually in the arm, in a process similar to that of routine blood test. You will be notified prior to your appointment if contrast will be used, and our staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have at this time. If you have an allergy to iodine or x-ray dye, please inform your physician or us as soon as possible. If you are pregnant, diabetic or have known kidney problems, please inform us of that as well.
In general, your CT scan itself will take approximately 15 minutes, however we do ask that you plan on a one hour appointment with us to allow for registration and preparation for the scan. After your CT scan is completed, you will be able to resume all normal activities and you will be able to drive.
