CT Patients
Computerized Tomography
Some common questions about CT examinations and procedures include the following.
Please click on the question to read the answer.
1) What is a CT scan?
CT stands for Computerized Tomography and can best be defined as computers taking
pictures of sections or “slices” of your body. Your examination will produce detailed
organ studies by stacking the individual “slices,” creating a picture of your internal
anatomy
2) How does a CT work?
Computed Tomography is based on the x-ray principal: as x-rays pass through the
body they are absorbed or weakened at different levels creating a matrix or profile
of x-ray beams of different strength. This x-ray profile is registered on film,
thus creating an image.
3) Will the CT exam hurt?
No, the CT examination itself causes no bodily sensation.
4) How long will the CT examination take?
The average examination usually takes from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the type
of study your physician has ordered.
5) Can I move while I am in the CT Scanner?
You should not move during the CT scan; however, between scans you may move or ask
the technologist questions.
6) Do I need an injection of contrast for my CT Exam?
A contrast injection is not required for every CT. When necessary, the referring
physician will prescribe a pharmaceutical contrast agent made of iodine. Iodine
contrast is used to make specific organs; blood vessels or tissue types “stand out”
with more image contrast in the resulting picture. This highlights the structure
of the specific organs or vessel to better show the presence of disease or injury.
7) Do you take my insurance?
8) Can I have a CT imaging exam if I am pregnant?
No, any woman who is pregnant, or may be pregnant should NOT have a CT exam or any
x-ray examination. Pregnant women should always inform their imaging technologist,
physician, or radiologist that they are pregnant, or if there is a chance they may
be pregnant.
9) What is NPO?
NPO is a Latin abbreviation for "nothing by mouth." and refers to the recommendations
regarding eating and drinking prior to an examination. Please refer to information
about
patient preparation
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