A computed tomography (CT) scan serves as an imaging examination aiding healthcare professionals in identifying diseases and injuries. This procedure utilizes a sequence of X-rays along with computer technology to generate intricate images of both your bones and soft tissues. Notably, a CT scan is a painless and non-invasive process, typically conducted at a hospital or imaging center.
What does a CT scan involve?
A computed tomography scan is a form of imaging test that, similar to X-rays, reveals internal structures within your body. However, instead of producing a flat, 2D image, a CT scan captures dozens to hundreds of images of your body. To obtain these images, a CT machine takes X-ray snapshots as it revolves around you.
Healthcare providers employ CT scans to visualize details that regular X-rays may not depict. Regular X-rays often result in overlapping body structures, obscuring many elements from view. In contrast, a computed tomography scan provides a clearer and more precise view of each of your organs.
A CT scan is also known as a CAT scan, where CT stands for “computed tomography,” and CAT stands for “computed axial tomography.” Both terms refer to the same imaging test.
What can a Computed Tomography scan display?
A CT scan captures images of your:
- Bones
- Muscles
- Organs
- Blood vessels
What can CT scans find?
CT scans assist healthcare providers in spotting different injuries and diseases, such as:
- Specific cancers and noncancerous tumors.
- Broken bones (fractures).
- Heart disease.
- Blood clots.
- Bowel issues (appendicitis, diverticulitis, blockages, Crohn’s disease).
- Kidney stones.
- Brain injuries.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Internal bleeding.
Will I have to get ready for my CT scan?
Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions for your computed tomography scan preparation, but here are some general tips:
- Arrive early: Follow the time your provider gives you for your appointment.
- Fasting: Avoid eating for four hours before your CT scan.
- Clear liquids: Stick to clear liquids like water, juice, or tea in the two hours leading up to your appointment.
- Comfortable attire: Wear comfortable clothes and remove any metal jewelry or clothing. You might be given a hospital gown to wear.
- Contrast material: Your provider might use a contrast material to enhance specific areas during the scan. For a CT scan with contrast, they’ll use an IV to inject contrast into your vein or provide a substance to drink, like a barium swallow, to highlight your intestines. Both improve visibility for diagnosis. IV contrast typically leaves your system within 24 hours.
Additional guidelines for a computed tomography scan with contrast:
- Blood test: A blood test before the CT scan may be necessary to ensure the safety of the contrast material.
- Diet restrictions: Watch what you eat and drink for the four hours preceding the scan. Clear liquids, such as broth, tea, black coffee, strained fruit juices, plain gelatin, and clear soft drinks (like ginger ale), can help prevent nausea when receiving contrast.
- Allergy medication: If allergic to the contrast agent containing iodine, you may need steroid and antihistamine medications the night before and the morning of the procedure. Consult your healthcare provider for proper guidance.
- Preparation solution: Follow the instructions precisely for drinking any oral contrast solution provided.
What to anticipate during your CT scan?
During the procedure, you’ll typically lie on your back on a table resembling a bed. If necessary, a healthcare provider might administer contrast dye through an intravenous injection into your vein, which could cause a flushed feeling or a metallic taste in your mouth.
As the scan commences:
- The table slowly moves into the circular scanner, resembling a doughnut shape.
- It’s crucial to remain as still as possible to prevent image blurring caused by movement.
- You may be instructed to hold your breath briefly, usually for less than 15 to 20 seconds.
- The scanner captures images of the specific area your healthcare provider needs to examine. Unlike an MRI scan, a CT scan is noiseless.
- Once the examination concludes, the table moves back out of the scanner.
What is the duration of a Computed Tomography scan?
Typically, a CT scan lasts around an hour, with the majority of the time dedicated to preparation. The actual scanning process, taking less than 10 or 15 minutes, is relatively brief. Once your healthcare provider confirms the quality of the images and gives you the green light, you can return to your regular activities.
Are there any side effects from a CT scan?
Generally, CT scans do not cause direct side effects. However, some individuals may experience minor side effects from the contrast material, such as:
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Headaches.
- Dizziness.
When can I expect to receive my CT scan results?
Typically, it takes approximately 24 to 48 hours to obtain the results of your CT scan. A radiologist, a specialized physician in interpreting such scans, will review the images and generate a report detailing the findings. In urgent situations, like those in a hospital or emergency room, healthcare providers often receive results within an hour.
After the radiologist and your healthcare provider have assessed the results, you’ll either schedule another appointment or receive a call. Your healthcare provider will then go over the findings with you.