You’ve suffered a fall and your doctor believes that there’s
a break involved. Unfortunately, the X-ray tomography just doesn’t provide enough
information for treatment to proceed. Needing to know more, your doctor schedules
a CT scan for a more comprehensive and definitive diagnosis.
Scheduling a CT scan for any reason can feel overwhelming
especially because such technology is used to detect and potentially diagnose a
variety of conditions. This anxiety can be made worse because of not knowing
what to expect from the procedure. How does it work? Will it hurt? Will you be
expected to do anything during the test?
A computerized tomography - or CT - scan involves
state-of-the-art equipment that can detect abnormalities in the body. A CT scan
takes images inside the body like an x-ray but unlike an x-ray, the images
produced by a CT scan are taken from many angles. The result is a full, 3D,
cross-sectioned picture of the inside of the body that includes bones and
tissues. It gives the doctor a very detailed internal view of the patient
allowing them to detect any disease that may exist; a disease that very well
may stay undetected otherwise. Best of all, the procedure itself is
non-invasive making it simple and painless for the patient. Here’s what you can
expect:
1) When you arrive at the test center, you will be asked to put
on a gown and remove any metal objects from your body including jewelry.
2) If you are having a CT scan with contrast, a dye that allows areas inside to be spotlighted effectively, you will be administered a pill or given an injection to deliver the contrast dye into your body.
3) The procedure itself requires that you lie still on a table. Once you are settled the table moves inside the scanner. A ring will revolve around you taking images as directed by the technician.
4) The most you may be asked to do during a CT scan is to hold your breath for brief periods of time so that clear pictures can be taken of particular areas. The technician will be able to talk to you during the scan to provide you with instructions. You will also be able to speak directly to the technician at any time.
5) Once the scan is complete you are free to go home. There is no recovery needed other than drinking more fluids if you’ve had the contrast dye to help flush it from the body. The images will then be read by your doctor who will be able to detect any internal injury, disease, and more.
6) A CT scan is a fast, easy, and painless way to get a much clearer view of what’s happening inside the body. If your doctor recommends having a CT scan, be sure to work with a radiology center with a focus on investing in state-of-the-art equipment and providing their patients with a comfortable experience.
2) If you are having a CT scan with contrast, a dye that allows areas inside to be spotlighted effectively, you will be administered a pill or given an injection to deliver the contrast dye into your body.
3) The procedure itself requires that you lie still on a table. Once you are settled the table moves inside the scanner. A ring will revolve around you taking images as directed by the technician.
4) The most you may be asked to do during a CT scan is to hold your breath for brief periods of time so that clear pictures can be taken of particular areas. The technician will be able to talk to you during the scan to provide you with instructions. You will also be able to speak directly to the technician at any time.
5) Once the scan is complete you are free to go home. There is no recovery needed other than drinking more fluids if you’ve had the contrast dye to help flush it from the body. The images will then be read by your doctor who will be able to detect any internal injury, disease, and more.
6) A CT scan is a fast, easy, and painless way to get a much clearer view of what’s happening inside the body. If your doctor recommends having a CT scan, be sure to work with a radiology center with a focus on investing in state-of-the-art equipment and providing their patients with a comfortable experience.
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