Getting a CT Scan at Delaney Radiology

What is a CT Scan?

CT scans (computed tomography), which are also known as CAT (computerized axial tomography) scans, combine X-ray imaging with computerized image processing to create highly detailed images, “slices” of tissues at different depths in the body.

Doctors may order a CT scan for a variety of diagnostic purposes, such as:

Finding areas of internal bleeding or organ damage in patients who have suffered trauma
Diagnosing a stroke or identifying its causes
Detecting tumors
Cancer diagnosis, staging, treatment planning, and treatment monitoring
Imaging blood vessels
Heart disease screening or diagnosis
Interventional-radiology procedures, such as image-guided biopsy or drainage
Diagnosing and analyzing complex bone fractures or abnormalities
- A procedure called an Arthrogram may also be used. Arthrography—X-ray guided injection of anesthetic and contrast agent into the joint of interest. The purpose is to better image the internal anatomy of the joint for more accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.

Schedule

AN APPOINTMENT

CT Screenings

Another important application of CT scans is to screen patients at risk for heart disease or lung cancer for early signs of disease at stages when treatment can be more effective. Available screenings are:

Heart Disease
CT calcium scoring—looks for signs of coronary artery disease for patients with risk factors for heart disease but no current symptoms. (Insurance does not cover this exam, but we offer this as a cash study for only $100)

Lung Cancer
CT lung cancer screening—a test for patients with a heavy smoking history but no current lung cancer symptoms, shown to reduce lung cancer mortality by finding disease at an earlier, more treatable stage. Learn more about this exam.

What should I expect during a CT Scan?

You will lie down on a table that will move slowly into the CT scanner. The technologist will help you get into the correct position for the exam, and may use pillows to help you stay still. Depending on the body area the equipment is scanning, the table’s motion may not be noticeable to you. CT scans can take from 5–30 minutes to complete.

Although the technologist will need to go into a control room next to the exam room to perform your scan, you will remain in visual and verbal communication with the technologist at all times. After your scan, you may need to wait on the table while the technologist reviews your images to ensure a quality study.

How do I prepare for a CT Scan?

Dress comfortably, avoiding clothes that have metal objects such as zippers and snaps that may affect image quality
For scans of certain parts of the body, it may be necessary to remove items such as jewelry, eyeglasses, hair pins, dentures, or hearing aids
You will be informed ahead of time if you need to refrain from eating or drinking for a period of time before your appointment
If your exam requires oral or injected contrast material to help make tissues more visible to the scanner, notify the technologist before you are given the contrast dose if:
- You have a history of allergies, particularly allergic reactions to contrast agents
- A history of kidney problems, heart conditions, thyroid conditions, diabetes, or asthma, because patients with such conditions may be at greater risk of an adverse reaction to contrast agents or problems with eliminating the contrast material from the body after the exam

Learn more

Visit the CT Scan page on RadiologyInfo for more information about CT scans, including details on specific diagnostic purposes and CT scans of different parts of the body.