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1.
What is a CT scan?
2. Is there radiation with a cat scan?
3. Are there any contraindications to a CT scan?
4. How long does a CT scan exam take?
5. Do I need contrast/dye when I receive my
cat scan?
5a. What is CT contrast or dye?
5b. Can I be allergic to the contrast/dye?
5c. Are there any contraindications to receiving CT contrast?
6. What will happen during my exam?
7. What if I am claustrophobic?
8. Is there an alternative to CT scan?
1. What is a CT scan?
CT stands for computed tomography. This
special machine, which is shaped like a doughnut, directs a
series of x-rays through the body to produce images which are
cross-sections or “slices” of the body, much like
slices of a loaf of bread.
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2. Is there radiation with a cat scan?
A CT scan does expose you to a small amount
of radiation, although well within safe limits. The amount is
about the same amount as we get from “background”
radiation by being outside in 3 years. In addition, our imaging
centers use state-of-the-art CT scanners, able to produce multiple
images or “slices” with each exposure. These special
CT’s result in significantly less radiation than that
generally seen with more conventional CT scanners.
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3. Are there any contraindications to a
CT scan?
If you are or think you are pregnant,
you should not undergo a CT scan due to the potential radiation
exposure to the fetus. Please consult with your doctor or the
radiologist if you feel you might be pregnant.
If you have had an X-ray test using barium contrast material
(such as a barium enema) or have taken a medication (such as
Pepto-Bismol) that contains bismuth within the past 4 days,
this may prevent you from being able to have a successful CT
scan of the abdomen or pelvis.
Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after receiving contrast
before resuming breast feeding.
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4. How long does a CT scan exam take?
The CT scan itself takes only a matter
of seconds, typically one or two breath-holds. However, please
plan on the entire examination taking 15-20 minutes, to allow
for having an IV placed if necessary and to allow for the images
to be reviewed by the radiologist after they are taken.
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5. Do I need contrast/dye when I receive
my cat scan?
Depending on the exam ordered by you physician
and the questions your doctor has, your may be required to drink
an (oral contrast) agent or have contrast/dye administered by
vein.
Oral contrast, frequently a barium-based suspension, is usually
taken before an exam of the abdomen and pelvis so that your
intestines can be better seen and distinguished from other possible
abnormalities that may occur in the abdomen. The oral contrast
in typically started the night preceding the exam, and finished
one hour before your appointment. More specific instructions
will be provided by either your physician or one of our trained
professionals.
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5a. What is CT contrast or dye?
The contrast used for a CT scan, or contrast
dye, contains iodine and is administered by
vein. It is used to make specific organs, blood vessels, or
certain tissues (such as tumors) more
visible to the radiologist. It also often helps to better characterize
and diagnose abnormalities.
While contrast is not required for certain CT exams, for most
studies it can only help the
radiologist better detect and define abnormalities.
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5b. Can I be allergic to the contrast/dye?
CT contrast may normally make you feel
flushed or warm. It may also give you a metallic taste in your
mouth. Some patients have some nausea, and we therefore recommend
not eating for four hours prior to your exam. These sensations
are not to be considered allergic reactions.
It is possible to have an allergic reaction to contrast, just
like you can to any medication. Should
you have a reaction, it is typically minor and might include
itching, rash or hives. It is also possible to have more severe
reactions such as difficulty breathing or changes in the rhythm
of your heart, although these are rare. Our trained nurses and
physicians would treat any contrast reaction should it occur.
At all of our imaging centers, we used a special type of contrast
that helps to minimize the chances of these allergic reactions.
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5c. Are there any contraindications to
receiving CT contrast?
All patients fill out a (screening questionnaire)
that helps the radiologists assess the likelihood that a patient
may have an allergic reaction.
A prior severe reaction to IV contrast in an absolute contraindication
to receiving contrast again. Other conditions may predispose
you to an increase risk of contrast reaction. If you have a
history of any of the conditions listed, please consult your
physician or our nurse prior to receiving contrast.
• Prior minor reaction to IV contrast
•
Renal Insufficiency
•
Allergy to any other food
or medication
•
Multiple Myeloma
•
Severe Asthma
•
Severe cardiac disease or
congestive failure
•
Diabetes on Glucophage
•
Pregnancy
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6. What will happen during my exam?
If your test requires you to disrobe,
you will be escorted to a private dressing room with lockers
where you can change into a gown and remove jewelry or other
objects that may interfere with the exam. For the exam, you
will be asked to lie down on a movable table. You will be positioned
on the table by one of our certified CT technologists. During
the procedure, the table will move over short distances as you
pass through the hole of the CT scan. This is where the images
are taken. The technologist will be talking with you through
an intercom and may ask you to hold your breath or to keep still
to prevent motion or blurring of the pictures.
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7. What if I am claustrophobic?
Claustrophobia is typically not a problem
for a patient having a CT scan, because the examination is quick
and the patient moves through a round opening which is not confining
in any way.
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8. Is there an alternative to CT scan?
Radiologists have many different types of imaging modalities
at their disposal and can help guide your physician as to the
most appropriate diagnostic imaging test to perform to answer
his/her questions.
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