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FHDI: Computed Tomography (CT)
CT scan or "CAT scan" is an efficient, comfortable outpatient procedure which gives you information to better evaluate the medical condition.
By using computerized processing of x-rays, CT imaging produces cross-sectional pictures of the body.
This page answers most people's questions about CT imaging. Study this carefully. We welcome your further questions.
How CT imaging works
Computed tomography, called CT or "CAT" scanning, is an advanced x-ray system. It produces detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
CT imaging is the preferred method for evaluating many types of medical conditions. It is used primarily to study the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis and spine.
The equipment used for the examination has an x-ray tube which moves in a circle around the body. The information collected is processed by a computer to generate cross-sectional pictures as though they were "slices" through the part of the body being studied.
These pictures are then analyzed by one of our radiologists and sent, along with a written report, to you.
Preparing for the examination
Patients may drink clear liquids, and should continue taking all prescribed medications as usual. Also, if the study involves these areas:
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| Head, neck or chest |
No solid food for 2 hours before the examination |
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| Abdomen or pelvis |
No solid food for 4 hours prior. The patient may be asked to drink an oral contrast beverage before arriving for the examination |
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| Sinus |
No special preparation |
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| Spine |
No special preparation |
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It is important to let us know if your patient is breast feeding or if they may be pregnant.
If your patient is diabetic and takes prescribed medication please call ahead for instructions.
What to expect
Patients are asked to remove glasses, jewelry, dentures, hearing aids or other objects which might interfere with x-rays. They may also be asked to change into comfortable clothing which we provide for the examination
In the imaging room, your patient will be helped onto a padded table which will move during the study to position them for the pictures.
Most CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis require an oral contrast agent, to better see the anatomy of the stomach and bowel. Patients are asked to drink this contrast liquid one or two hours before the study.
Examinations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen and pelvis often require an intravenous contrast agent. This is given as in injection during the study.
The examination itself usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, depending on what part(s) of the body are being studied. While being scanned, the patient may hear humming or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table moves to position them for the images.
The quality of the CT study depends on the patient's ability to hold still. As in a time exposure photograph, the medical image will blur if there is movement.
Results
We will send films of the study and a written report by our radiologists. Unless there are extenuating circumstances this information is ready to leave our facility in 24 hours.
Risks and complications
CT imaging uses a thin beam of x-rays to produce the diagnostic images.
In many cases, no injections are involved. For some examinations, an intravenous injection and/or an oral contrast agent is needed, to better define the part of the body being studied.
All contrast materials are FDA approved and are considered quite safe; however, some persons are sensitive to them. Reactions can range from an occasional case of sneezing or hives, to serious reactions. The physicians and staff at First Hill Diagnostic Imaging are trained to treat these reactions, if they occur.
A patient may be at higher risk of reaction if they have:
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Experienced prior reactions to x-ray |
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Severe allergies or asthma, particularly allergies to iodine-containing foods, such as shellfish or other seafood |
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Severe or incapacitating heart disease |
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Multiple myeloma, sickle cell disease, polycythemia or pheochromocytoma |
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Severe kidney disease, particularly caused by diabetes |
If the patient may be in one of these categories, please notify the receptionist or technologist.
Billing
We are preferred providers for most health plans. As a courtesy, we will bill the insurance program on behalf of the patient. Ultimately, they are responsible for payment.
For any portion not paid by insurance, we accept cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard.
About First Hill Diagnostic Imaging
First Hill Diagnostic Imaging is known worldwide for development of innovative clinical imaging techniques.
Our staff physicians are all board-certified radiologists. They have many years of diagnostic imaging experience with CT scanning, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, and ultrasound, all of which are available at our facility. First Hill's doctors regularly participate in clinical research projects and publish and present the results of their research at national and international medical conferences.
Our support staff is one of the best. Everyone at First Hill is committed to making each visit comfortable and efficient.
We invite you to call with any questions or concerns.
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