Computed Tomography (CT)

is a non-invasive procedure that uses x-rays to create 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional images of the body.

CT scans are most frequently used to:

  • Study blood vessels in the brain, heart, and other internal organs
  • Detect brain hemorrhages and stroke
  • Evaluate back pain from fractures, disc herniations, and spinal stenosis
  • Identify masses and tumors, including cancer
  • Evaluate abdominal pain

Select a procedure from the following list.

Computed Tomography (CT) - Abdomen
Computed Tomography (CT) - Angiography
Computed Tomography (CT) - Body
Computed Tomography (CT) - Chest
Computed Tomography (CT) - Head
Computed Tomography (CT) - Pediatric
Computed Tomography (CT) - Sinuses
Computed Tomography (CT) - Spine

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What Is the CT Procedure Like?

Most examinations take about an hour, including preparation time. The actual scan takes 5-10 minutes.

After removing any of the items listed in the "How should I prepare for the procedure?" (see below), you will lie down on a table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Depending on the study being done, you will need to lie on your stomach or back. You might be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time. You must be still during the examination, because movement creates blurred images. After you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. At Premier Radiology our modern multi-detector scanners can quickly perform the exam in one continuous motion.

You and your technologist have an intercom system that will let you talk to each other. The technician will also be able to watch you through a viewing window.

How should I prepare for the procedure?

  • Bring a copy of the order for the procedure from your referring physician.
  • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CT examination. Metal objects can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and snaps. You may be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids and any removable dental work that could obscure the images.
  • Take your usual medications.
  • If you will receive intravenous contrast material (x-ray dye) you should drink plenty of clear liquids, but refrain from eating solid food, for 3-4 hours before your examination.
  • Patients scheduled for abdominal and/or pelvic CT studies should arrive 30 minutes early to drink oral contrast material used to visualize the stomach and intestines. Patients scheduled for cardiac CT angiography studies should arrive 1 hour early for clinical assessment, ECG monitoring, and premedication with beta blockers.
  • Diabetic patients who receive intravenous contrast material for the CT examination and take Metformin (Avandamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glucovance, and Metaglip, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, and ActosplusMet) should discontinue this medication for 48 hours after the CT. Metformin should be restarted only after renal function has been evaluated and found to be adequate.
  • Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist if they are, or could be, pregnant.
  • The maximum weight limit for the CT scanners is 400 lbs.

Some CT scans need special preparation beforehand. For example:

  • Abdominal and pelvic scans - If you are having a CT scan of your abdomen and/or pelvis, you might be asked
    • Not to eat for 3-4 hours before the scan.
    • To drink contrast 1 hour before the scan.
    • Have contrast material given as an enema.
  • Cardiac CT (Heart scan) - Patients scheduled for cardiac CT angiography studies should arrive 1 hour early for clinical assessment, ECG monitoring, and premedication with beta blockers. Oral nitroglycerin is frequently given. Intravenous contrast material will be injected during the scan.

What is contrast material or x-ray dye?

Intravenous x-ray contrast material is a drug given to create clearer images of blood vessels, internal organs, and pathological processes such as tumors, infection, aneurysms, atherosclerotic plaque, and blood clots. Some studies require x-ray contrast material to be given using an intravenous line (IV) that is placed in a vein in your hand or forearm. Contrast material given through an IV might cause a slight burning sensation, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

Like all other drugs, x-ray contrast material administration is associated with small but real risks. Most patients experience no unusual effects after these injections. Acute adverse side effects are infrequent (occur in less than 5% of patients) and unpredictable. The majority of side effects are mild non-life-threatening events, such as a warm flushing sensation, that require only observation. If you have a contrast allergy you might develop sneezing, itching, or hives. Very rarely a patient becomes short of breath or has swelling in the throat or another part of the body, indicating a more serious reaction to contrast material that must be promptly treated. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform the technologist immediately. If you have a mild contrast allergy your doctor might choose to treat you with antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.

The kidneys remove the contrast material from the body. Therefore, if you have kidney disease or diabetes, you should drink plenty of fluids before and after the test, and be closely monitored for kidney problems. If you have diabetes or are on kidney dialysis, talk to your health care provider before the test about your risks.

Contrast material can also be given as a liquid that you drink or through the rectum as an enema to create clearer images of the stomach and intestines. When you actually drink the contrast depends on the type of exam being done. The contrast might taste chalky, although some are flavored. The contrast eventually passes out of your body with your stools.

What to Do After a CT

When your examination is over, you may resume your normal daily activities unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. If you have had a sedative, you will need to arrange for someone to drive you home.

If you are a nursing mother and received contrast for your CT exam, you should wait 24 hours before resuming breast-feeding to allow your body time to eliminate the material.

If you take Metformin (Avandamet, Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glucovance, Metaglip, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet, and ActosplusMet) you should not restart the Metformin until 48 hours after your scan AND until instructed to do so by your family or prescribing physician.

A specially trained radiologist will interpret your images and send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.


 

28 White Bridge Road
Suite 111
Nashville, Tennessee
37205

Phone (615) 356-3999
Fax (615) 353-0462