CT Scan
Screening & Diagnosis
- Blood Clots
- Chest pain
- Headaches
- Infections
- Lung Cancer
- Stomach pain
- Tumor detection
Preparing for your CT scan
Preparing for your CT scan varies based off each body part. Your doctor will give you specific instructions before your scan. Instruction may include no eating or drinking, drinking a special contrast or having blood work done. Take your normal medications with a small glass of water. If you have asthma, bring your inhaler to your exam. Check with your doctor or nurse before your appointment if you have questions on your instructions.
You may need to remove your glasses, jewelry,or hearing aids for the exam. You may also need to change into a gown or take off clothing with zippers, buttons or other metals.
Most CT scans take only a few minutes, but allow up to 30 minutes for the exam.
Before your exam the CT technologist will ask you a few questions and have you lie down on the table. To complete the scan the table will move in and out of the CT machine. The machine looks like a large donut. CT scans are painless.
CT scan with contrast
Some scans need to use contrast. Either a liquid injected into your vein using an IV or a drink before your scan. If you need an IV our CT technologist will start your IV. This contrast allows the radiologist to better see inside your body during the scan. At the end of your scan the CT technologist will remove your IV. After the test you can return to your normal day. Drink plenty of water if you drank or had an IV injection of contrast.
