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CT
SCANS
What
is a CT scan and how does it work?
What is it like to have a CT scan?
How do I prepare for a CT scan?
How do I make an appointment?
Referral information for physicians
Additional
information on CT Scans
What
is a CT scan and how does it work?
A CT
(computerized tomography) scan is a type of x-ray that creates two-
and three-dimensional images of the body. Unlike traditional x-ray,
a CT scanner can take "slices" of the body that lets the
doctor look at certain areas very closely.
A few
examples of CT scans are:
Chest
CT - to look at the heart, lungs, and other parts of the cardiopulmonary
system
Head
and neck CT - to see the brain, spinal cord and nervous system
Virtual
Colonoscopy - to look at the gastrointestinal tract
CTA
(computerized tomographic angiography) - uses a type of dye
to examine blood vessels and seek out blockages, internal bleeding,
and other aspects of blood flow
Abdominal/
Pelvic CT - looks at the kidneys, liver, reproductive organs,
and other abdominal areas
Musculoskeletal
CT - looks at the muscles and the bones
What
is it like to have a CT scan?
A technologist
will help you lay down on a table. The table then slides into a
doughnut-shaped machine. X-rays are taken and sent to a computer.
These images can be used to find tumors, nodules, cysts, and other
abnormalities.
The
exam itself may take from seconds to several minutes, but setup
time can take up to 30 minutes. While the test is going on, the
technologist may ask you to stay still or hold your breath for short
periods. For some tests, you will need to have an IV or swallow
a "contrast agent" that will help the doctors see the
area better.
The
technologist will be watching the images on a TV monitor outside
the room. If you have any questions, you can ask the technologist.
How
do I prepare for a CT scan?
Unless
your doctor tells you to do something else, you'll keep taking your
medications and eating normally. For CT scans of the abdomen, you
may have to drink a contrast solution in order to prepare for the
exam.
The
contrast agents used in CT scans often contain iodine. If you have
an allergy to iodine or shellfish, or if you have impaired kidney
function, you should talk with your doctor before having a contrast
agent.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, you should check with your
doctor before having a CT scan.
If
you are a diabetic who uses Glucophage, check with your doctor before
you have a CT scan, as Glucophage must be stopped 48 hours after
the exam.
How do I make an appointment?
You,
or your doctor's office, can make an appointment by calling our
central scheduling office:
Central
Scheduling: 617-665-1298
To
schedule an appointment, you must have a referral order from a primary
care physician.
________________________________
Referral
information for physicians
You
can make a referral for your patients by calling:
Central
Scheduling: 617-665-1298
ALL
sites have staff that perform Head CT's 24/7 for stroke patients.
Network
Supervisor:
Deb Truczinskas
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