CT Scans

State-of-the-art CT scans are available at the Clinic.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan is a special type of  X-ray that produces detailed pictures of structures inside the body. A CT scan is also called a CAT scan (computerized axial tomography).

A CT scanner directs X-rays through the body that are analyzed by a computer to produce a detailed picture of a "slice" of an organ or area being studied. Each X-ray pulse only lasts a fraction of a second. A CT scan produces a clearer picture of internal organs than regular X-rays do.

During a CT scan, the area being studied is placed inside a cylinder that is part of the CT scanner. The cylinder can tilt and the scanning devices in it can rotate to obtain the views needed.

A dye containing iodine is often injected into the blood during a CT scan of the body. The dye makes blood vessels and certain organs more visible on the CT scan pictures. The dye may be used to evaluate blood flow, detect tumors, locate areas of inflammation or obtain images of the chest and pelvis.

Before a CT scan, tell your doctor if:

• You have asthma, are allergic to any medications or have ever had a serious allergic reaction to any substance (i.e. a bee sting, shellfish, etc.).
• You have a history of kidney problems.
• You have diabetes.
• You are or might be pregnant.
• You become nervous in confined spaces.
• You have had an X-ray using barium contrast material within the past 4 days.
• A CT scan is done by a radiology technologist and the pictures are interpreted by a radiologist.

During the CT scan, you will need to remove all jewelry that may interfere with the X-ray. You will take off most of your clothes and put on a paper gown. During the test, you will lie on your back on a table attached to the CT scanner. The scanner is a large square machine with a circular opening containing the CT scanner. The table slides into the hole while the cylinder lining the hole rotates around your body. The table will move a small distance every few seconds to reposition you for each new "slice" of the CT scan. Clicking or buzzing sounds may be heard as the table moves and the cylinder turns. It is very important to hold completely still while your body is being scanned so a repeat scan is not needed. A CT scan can take 30-90 minutes. You will feel no discomfort from the X-ray during the scan. However, the table may feel hard, the room may be chilly and you may feel uncomfortable lying in one position for a long time.