WHAT IS A CT SCAN
Computed Tomography (CT) is one of the most commonly performed medical imaging examination. It uses a small amount of radiation to create detailed 3-dimentional images of your body’s anatomy for structural abnormalities. The amount of radiation is low and safe.
Often contrast (dye) is given for a CT scan to improve detection of abnormalities. Serious reactions to the contrast (dye) are rare and we are trained in responding to them.
BEFORE THE SCAN
- Your request form
- Any relevant previous imaging
- Your Medicare card
We will call you 1-2 days prior to your appointment to discuss the scan with you.
The appointment will take approximately 20 minutes if no other scans are needed on your booking.
No fasting is required. Please drink 4 cups of fluid before your scan. You may empty your bladder as often as you like.
Medications at your usual time with water are fine unless you have been told not to take them by your doctor or by us.
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.
Wear something loose, comfortable and metal-free – please note zips are metal as are most eyelets. Do not wear any jewellery.
DURING YOUR APPOINTMENT
You will be given some forms to fill out, including a brief medical history and details of previous imaging and treatment.
You will then be escorted into the CT area.
One of our expert staff may place a drip into a vein in your arm or hand if your scan requires the use of contrast (dye)
For the scan, you will lay on a scanning table and will need to keep very still (relaxed is best) while the scan is happening. Our expert Medical Imaging Technologists will be able to see and hear you at all times and give you easy to follow instructions during the scan as needed.
Most scans will take less than 10 minutes.
AFTER THE SCAN
The Medical Imaging Technologist will check your scans for movement and quality.
Ïf all of the images are diagnostic, you will be allowed to leave.
The images will then be available to our specialist oncology radiologists to review and a report will be sent to your doctor typically within 24 hours or sooner if urgent.
You can resume your normal activities after a CT scan.
