| CT Scan |
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| A CT or CAT scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination
of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images
(often called "slices") of the body. A CT scan shows detailed
images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat,
blood vessels and organs. |
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| In Computed Tomography (CT Scan), the x-ray beam moves in a circle
around the body. This allows many different views of the same organ
or structure, and provides much greater detail. The x-ray information
is sent to a computer that interprets the x-ray data and displays
it in 2-dimensional form on a monitor. In some cases, the data is
sent to a special computer that produces three dimensional pictures. |
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| CT scans may be done with or without contrast. "Contrast"
refers to a substance taken by mouth (Oral) or injected through an
intravenous (IV) line that causes the particular organ or tissue under
study to be seen more clearly. Contrast examinations require special
preparation. |
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| CT scans may be performed to help diagnose tumors, evaluate blood
vessels, determine calcium "scores" of the coronary arteries
or check for other internal disease or injuries. |
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| Preparation for the Test. |
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| Most CT examinations do not usually require any special patient
preparations. However, in some body regions a more detailed display
is possible only with the help of an intravenous contrast agent. The
contrast agent is administered immediately prior to the examination
and is usually well tolerated by the patient. This medium contains
iodine, which might cause an allergic reaction in some patients. You
should therefore consult BAB Radiology about possible existing allergies
prior to the examination. |
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| For these procedures the following guidelines apply: |
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| > Patients over the age of 60 or those having known risk factors
will require kidney function tests. Please consult with your physician
to ensure that a recent blood test has been completed prior to your
examination. |
| > If you are a diabetic and taking GlucophageŽ, Glucophage XRŽ,
GlucovanceŽ (Metformin), you will need to refrain from taking that
medication on the day of the exam and for 48 hours following the exam. |
| >For dialysis patients, the CT scan may need to be scheduled
on the same day or before your dialysis treatment. |
| >You should not eat or drink anything 4 hours prior to your examination.
If your examination includes the Abdomen or Pelvis (for purposes other
than evaluating blood vessels), you should also plan to arrive one
hour prior to your appointment, you may need to drink a barium solution
used for CT studies to outline the stomach and intestines. |
| >In order for us to provide your doctor with accurate and timely
results, we request your assistance in obtaining previous radiology
examinations pertaining to your current condition. You may need to
sign a release authorizing other institutions to release results or
films to us for comparison purposes. |
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| Please tell the staff if you: |
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| > Might be pregnant, trying to get
pregnant or are breast-feeding. |
| > Are allergic to iodine or seafood. |
| > Are on dialysis or have known kidney disease. |
| > Are diabetic. |
| > Have had a problem with this exam (or other X-Ray or contrast exams) in the past. |
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| Following the CT examination, the radiologist
analyze the images and sends a report to your family physician,
who then discusses the examination results with you during your
next appointment or by phone. |
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| Note: If you have had recent exams to
diagnose this same or a similar problem at another facility, it
would be helpful for the radiologist to see those exams. If available,
please bring prior studies with you.. |
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| During a CT scan, you will be lying on
a comfortable couch as it slowly moves through an opening in the
examination unit, commonly referred to as the "gantry".
All you have to do is follow the instructions given by the medical
personnel in charge. For example, you may be instructed to briefly
hold your breath or not to move certain regions of your body. |
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| Call (727) 896-2273 for more information. Ask for the CT technologist. |
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