Depending on what part of the body is being scanned and why, a contrast agent<\/a> might be used. A type of dye taken internally, a contrast agent heightens the differences between tissues.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CT scans<\/a> provide clear and detailed internal images and thus are used on many different parts of the body to diagnose and monitor a wide variety of conditions, such as illness or injuries in the:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n Wear comfortable clothes, as you\u2019ll likely need to remove at least some of them. Depending on the area being scanned, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown and may or may not be allowed to wear underwear. You must remove any metal before a CT scan, including belts, all jewelry and zippers.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What you need to avoid before a CT scan depends on the body part being scanned. For an abdominal CT scan, you\u2019ll typically be asked to fast for 4-6 hours before your scan, and not drink any liquids for two hours prior. However, that isn\u2019t necessary for a CT scan of your arm. Make sure to check your requisition for specific instructions or call the imaging center if you have any questions.<\/p>\n CT scans use low doses of ionizing radiation and are considered very safe imaging procedures. However, if you have concerns or are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should discuss any potential risks with your doctor.<\/p>\n A CT scan is a non-invasive procedure and does not often require extensive preparation. When your CT scan is booked, be sure to ask the imaging clinic for the proper protocol for your type of scan.<\/p>\n Bring your requisition form with you to the imaging clinic, as it contains important information about the type of scan you need. If you have your form with you, you\u2019ll avoid delays when you arrive. Be ready to provide your health card or another appropriate form of ID (depending where you live) at check-in. You\u2019ll likely wait in a general waiting room, in a smaller private waiting room, or both. When you are called, you\u2019ll be given a gown and told what clothes you must remove. Then you\u2019ll be directed to the imaging room.<\/p>\n If you have any questions about your upcoming scan, it\u2019s best to ask them when you book your appointment. Here are a few questions to ask:<\/p>\n A CT scan appointment takes between 30-60 minutes. The use of a contrast agent adds another half hour, so that the dye is fully absorbed when the scan begins. During a CT scan, you will lie on an exam table that will move through a donut-shaped X-ray machine. The machine will rotate around you taking X-rays, and your table will move in and out incrementally to capture the best images. Here are a few things to be aware of:<\/p>\n The CT scan technician cannot answer questions about the results of your scan but can discuss the procedure itself. You can ask:<\/p>\n CT scans are non-invasive: after your scan, you can go about your day as normal. If your scan involves a contrast dye, you may be monitored for a short period to ensure you have no adverse or allergic reactions, and you will likely be encouraged to drink lots of liquid to flush the contrast material from your system.<\/p>\n If you have taken a sedative, you will need someone to drive you home. But generally, you can resume normal activities immediately following a CT scan.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The technician sends your detailed images to a radiologist for analysis. The radiologist forwards a report and the images to your referring physician, who will discuss them with you at a follow-up appointment. The process usually takes 3-5 business days but can sometimes take longer.<\/p>\n If you want secure early access to your CT scan images and report, you can use PocketHealth<\/a> to obtain them as soon as they are released by the radiologist.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \n <\/p>\n A patient using PocketHealth<\/a> to access their report<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n CT scan reports often contain complex medical terminology and abbreviations. The more you understand, the better prepared you\u2019ll be for your follow-up appointment.<\/p>\n The technician will forward your CT scan images to the radiologist for analysis and interpretation. The radiologist will send the images and a report to your referring physician for examination, who set up an appointment to discuss the results with you. In addition, My Care Navigator<\/a> can provide you with a personalized list of questions based on your results.<\/p>\n CT scan images appear in shades of white, gray and black. The denser the tissue, the lighter it appears on the image. Bone, for instance, is white, while liquid or air-filled tissues are dark.<\/p>\n Your report will discuss any findings, or the observance of any abnormalities in your scan. These might include calcifications, cysts, lesions or masses. If you have any trouble with the technical language, PocketHealth\u2019s Report Reader<\/a> provides easy-to-understand definitions of medical terms.<\/p>\nWhy it is done<\/h2>\n
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\n\t\t\tGet early access to your CT scan results\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t
What to wear to a CT scan?<\/h2>\n
What to avoid before a CT appointment?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nCT scan procedure: what to expect?<\/h2>\n
How to prepare for a CT scan<\/h3>\n
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During the CAT scan procedure<\/h3>\n
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How will I feel after the procedure?<\/h3>\n
When will I get my results?<\/h2>\n
\n\t\t\tFast and easy access to your CT scan results\t\t<\/h2> \n\t<\/div>\n\t
Understanding my report<\/h2>\n
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Who interprets the results?<\/h3>\n
\nThere\u2019s no substitute for a follow-up appointment with your doctor. You can examine the results and ask questions, such as:<\/p>\n\n
How do I make sense of my results?<\/h3>\n