Description:
A CT scanner obtains detailed, cross-sectional X-ray images of very specific areas of your body. The scanner is a round, donut-shaped machine that is open in the middle.  The GE Medical systems Lightspeed16 Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner enables physicians to perform thin slice imaging, covering a large area of the body in a single breath-hold, thereby reducing radiation exposure to the patient.   This system offers superb image quality and improved cardiovascular, neurological, and lung imaging.


What To Expect During a CT Scan:

You will lie on a table that glides into the opening of the scanner. You will hear humming and swooshing noises as the pictures are taken. CT scans sometimes require the use of contrast, either intravenously or by mouth, to enhance blood vessels and organs and highlight the area being imaged. If the contrast material is to be administered intravenously, a catheter tube is inserted into an arm vein, and you can expect to feel a warm, flushing sensation that lasts one to two minutes as the contrast enters your body. A CT takes 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the area of the body being scanned.

Patient Preparations for a CT Scan:

Intravenous contrast is sometimes administered for CT scans. If contrast is required, you must bring a list of all medications, dosage, and how often the medications are taken.  You will be required to fast for two (2) hours before your CT scan. (No food or liquids should be taken during this time, and your physician will advise you about taking medications during the fasting period.)

If your abdomen or pelvis is being scanned, please make sure that you do not eat or drink after midnight the night before. You will need to drink a flavored liquid that coats the stomach to allow for better visualization of these organs. You must drink the first bottle one hour before your procedure, half of the second bottle half an hour beforehand, and the remaining contents at some point during the procedure. Once your CT scan is completed, you may resume your normal diet, but it will be necessary to increase the amount of fluids you drink for several hours so that the contrast material is flushed from your system. You may resume normal activity immediately following this procedure.

Persons with diabetes who are taking medication must call doctors office to get instructions about stopping medications, such as Glucophage®, Glucovance®, Metaglip®, etc.