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CAT Scans
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY (CT)
WHAT IS COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT) AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a precise, simple and noninvasive
examination that creates a cross-sectional image of a specific anatomical part
of the body. A thin beam of x-rays is emitted and recorded by an electronic
detector, then transferred into a computer.
The computer constructs an image based on the data, which is then transferred to
film. Contrast media, commonly referred to as "dye" or barium, is sometimes
given, intravenously, orally, or rectally before and/or during certain scans to
assist in viewing a particular area.
IS CT FOR EVERYONE?
Although CT is an effective diagnostic tool, certain medical conditions may
exclude its use or use of contrast media. Please inform your physician and our
clinical personnel at the time of scheduling if the following applies to you:
- Prior allergy to iodine or contrast media injection
- Diabetes or Kidney problems
- Breast feeding or pregnancy
It is very important that if you are pregnant or there is a possibility of
pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding, that you inform your physician and the
center personnel prior to your CT procedure.
HOW DO I PREPARE FOR THE CT PROCEDURE?
- You will receive a phone call from our staff confirming your appointment.
At this time you may be informed of any specific procedure preparations.
- We request that you arrive 15-30 minutes prior to your scheduled procedure
time to complete paperwork and to change clothes if necessary. If your CT is
lower gastrointestinal related, you will be instructed by the scheduling staff
to arrive 1 hour prior to your procedure to begin drinking a barium contrast
material that is necessary for the CT procedure.
- Please wear loose-fitting clothes without zippers or snaps; metal objects
create artifacts on the images. You may be requested to change into a clinic
gown.
- Please bring the written prescription your physician gave you for this
procedure.
- If contrast will be used, do not consume food or beverages four hours
prior to the procedure.
- You should inform your physician or a center staff member if you are
taking GLUCOPHAGE (METFORMIN) OR GLUCOVANCE (GLYBURIDE/METFORMIN)
for a diabetic condition.
- We strongly encourage you to ask questions and discuss any concerns you
may have prior to your procedure. We strongly believe that communication with
our patients is an important part of the service we provide.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE CT PROCEDURE?
- You may be asked to change into a clinic gown and escorted to the CT room.
- A CT technologist will assist you on to the padded exam table where you
will lie during the procedure.
- The area of interest will be positioned in the middle of a large,
doughnut-shaped scanner ring or gantry. The scanner is not enclosed; thus
claustrophobia usually is not an issue.
- The CT technologist will be in constant communication with you during the
procedure through a two-way intercom.
- Please pay close attention to the instructions given and refrain from any
unnecessary movement. Body movement may cause the images to blur, thus causing
portions of the procedure to be repeated.
- The table will be moving in small increments. You will feel this slight
movement and hear a low noise. The noise is due to the x-ray device rotating
around you and is perfectly normal.
- For your comfort, blankets and/or pillows will be provided upon request.
The CT exam room is typically cool in order to ensure that the computer system
operates properly.
- Our goal is to provide you with a pleasant and comfortable CT procedure.
If you are uncomfortable in any way, please inform your CT technologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE CT PROCEDURE TAKE?
The length of the examination will vary generally from 10-30 minutes
depending upon the specific procedure requested by your physician. Your
cooperation will expedite the procedure process.
WHEN DO I GET MY CT RESULTS?
Our certified CT technologist will prepare your CT Images for the radiologist
to evaluate. The radiologist will interpret your results and dictate a written
report, which will be forwarded to your physician generally within 24 to 48
hours of completion of your procedure. Your physician will convey the results of
the procedure to you.
Will I receive an injection?
To assist in this process, very often a "contrast agent" is used. This
agent contains iodine, which x-rays cannot penetrate. By injecting the agent
into the body, the radiologist can better visualize organs and structures that
might not otherwise be seen.
Why do I need a CT scan?
CAT scans of the body and head can be used to diagnose a wide variety of medical
conditions. Being scheduled for a CT does not necessarily mean that you are
suffering from an illness. It simply means that the doctor wants to use the best
technology available to find out what is causing your complaints.
Full Body CT scans?
The full body CT scan covers the head, neck, chest, abdomen and
pelvis in Buffalo. This creates a full body perspective for your health
professional to review.
What do I do next?
Call or Email us
or call us at
VIP Docs Inc.
Toronto, Ontario (416) 907-1065
London, Ontario (519) 913-2089
Windsor, Ontario (519) 962-9559
Phoenix, Arizona (480) 626-1473
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