CT (sometimes called CAT Scan) is a method of using computerized X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the body. These cross-sectional images allow for better detail and more precise localization of disease processes in the body.
While CT scans may be performed on any area of the body, the most common scans include the head, abdomen, chest, and sinuses. Most CT scans require some patient preparation, so be sure to ask your physician about this when your exam is scheduled.
Our department utilizes 'multi-detector' CT scanners to provide fast, accurate scans and diagnoses.
Registration
Patients scheduled for a CT exam are required to register in Admissions. Admissions is located through the covered entrance with an EMERGENCY sign on it. After turning into the Main Hospital Entrance, turn left at the first intersection and continue around the curve and park in the ER Parking/Admissions lot (on the right).
Preparation Prior to Procedure
If your exam does not fall into one of the following categories, do not eat or drink anything two hours prior to your appointment. For exams requiring IV Contrast: your physician should order bloodwork to be performed prior to the exam to check your creatinine level (kidney function) if you are 60 years of age or older.
· CT Abdomen - Do not eat solid food after midnight the night before the exam. You may have clear liquids consisting of water, plain Jell-O, or broth up to two hours before your exam. When drinking your oral contrast, follow the instructions on your CT Prep sheet that you received from the radiology department. Drink one-half of the bottle of oral contrast 30 minutes before your appointment time. Bring the remainder of the oral contrast with you.
· CT Pelvis - Do not eat solid food after midnight the night before the exam. You may have clear liquids consisting of water, plain Jell-O, or broth up to two hours before your exam. When drinking your oral contrast, follow the instructions on your CT Prep sheet that you received from the radiology department. Drink the bottle of oral contrast two hours before your appointment time.
· CT Abdomen & Pelvis - Do not eat solid food after midnight the night before the exam. You may have clear liquids consisting of water, plain Jell-O, or broth up to two hours before your exam. When drinking your oral contrast, follow the instructions on your CT Prep sheet that you received from the radiology department. Drink one bottle of oral contrast two hours before your appointment time. Drink one-half of the second bottle of oral contrast 30 minutes before your appointment time. Bring the remainder of the oral contrast with you.
Length of Procedure
The procedure usually takes from ten to fifteen minutes. Allow forty-five minutes to one hour total time for registration, pre-assessment and post-exam care.
Post-exam Instructions
You may immediately resume normal activities. If you were given oral and/or IV contrast, it will pass naturally through your body within a day.
If you think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician or the technologist before your exam.
If you have a known contrast allergy, please contact your physician or the imaging location where you are having your exam as soon as possible.
Results of Exam
A radiologist will interpret your exam and a transcribed report will be sent to the ordering physician within 24 hours.
Requesting Films
If your physician requested you to bring your films to your next office visit, please mention this to the radiology office staff when you check in, and your films will be ready for you shortly after your exam.
If anytime after your exam you need to borrow your films, please call the radiology department at (423) 787-5100 or e-mail radiology@lmhcare.org at least 24 hours in advance, and your films will be ready for you to pick up.
Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)