You will be asked not to eat for 2 hours prior to the procedure. If your exam requires you to drink barium, please follow the provided instructions.
After you arrive for your appointment, you will be escorted to a procedure room, where you will be asked to change into a patient gown. You should remove all jewelry and other removable items such as glasses, dentures, and hearing aids. Women should always inform their technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.
During the exam you will lie on a table that moves into the doughnut-shaped scanner. Your technologist will watch you through an observation window and will be able to communicate with you at all times. CT scans are non-invasive and painless, though you will hear humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds as the CT machine moves to position you. It is very important to follow all instructions and remain still during scanning in order to obtain clear images.
Some CT exams require the ingestion of an oral contrast agent or injection of an intravenous contrast agent to allow the radiologist to see certain organs and abnormalities more clearly. The CT contrast agent is an iodine-based material that is injected through an intravenous line. Radiology Ltd. uses only non-ionic contrast agents (the safest kind), but with all contrast agents, there is always the potential for allergic reaction. Be sure to tell your technologist if you have experienced a reaction to CT contrast in the past.
After the scan has been completed, you will be able to return to your normal activities and your usual diet unless otherwise instructed. To help eliminate contrast agents from the body, it is best to drink plenty of fluids following the exam.
For your safety and the protection of others, we do not allow anyone other than patients in our exam rooms.
CT scans offer many important benefits that far outweigh the minimal risks. They use a small amount of radiation to produce detailed images that help your care team better evaluate the area being examined.
CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans are both advanced imaging tools that capture detailed images of the body’s internal structures.
CT scans use a series of X-ray images to create cross-sectional views of the body. They are typically quicker than MRI exams and are especially helpful for viewing bones and denser tissues. CT scans use a small, carefully controlled amount of radiation to help clearly visualize these areas.
MRI scans use powerful magnets and radio waves to produce very detailed images of soft tissues, such as the brain, spine, muscles, and organs. MRI exams do not use radiation.
The cost of a CT scan can vary depending on several factors, including where you receive your imaging, your insurance coverage, and the type of CT exam being performed.
In many cases, where you choose to have your scan can make a significant difference. Hospital-based CT scans are often more expensive, while Radiology Ltd.’s outpatient imaging centers can cost up to 60% less than hospital-based imaging studies.
If you have insurance, some or all of the cost may be covered. Depending on your plan, you may still be responsible for a deductible or other out-of-pocket expenses at the time of your appointment. We also encourage you to contact your insurance provider directly for details about your specific coverage.
After your study, the images will be evaluated by one of our board-certified radiologists with expertise in CT imaging. A final report will be sent to your doctor or healthcare provider, who can then discuss the results with you in detail.
Reports are also available on the Patient Portal