THE MEDICAL IMAGING EXPERIENCE
INFORMATION FOR THE PATIENT
C.T. SCANS OF THE CHEST/ABDOMEN/PELVIS

WHAT IS IT?
A CAT Scan or CT Scan stands for Computed Axial Tomography. CT combines an x-ray machine and a computer to produce and image on a computer screen. The x-ray tube rotates in a circle around your body taking pictures as it moves. The machine looks like a large donut standing up on its side with a table going through the center of it. The image shows the physician a picture of your body one slice at a time, much like a slice from a loaf of bread. 

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO ME?
You may be instructed to change into a gown for the procedure. The CT technologist will assist you to lie down on a long narrow table. If needed, an IV (Intravenous) needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm. The needle is connected to a power injector machine that is programmed to inject a dye (contrast media) that will outline the blood vessels in your body during the CT scan. Once the IV is connected the technologist will move you into the center of the CT scanner which looks like a very large square donut. Patients should lie still and relax during a CT study. After the scan is complete, the CT technologist will remove you from the CT scanner and take the IV needle out of your arm. Patients may hear the scanner rotating during the study. The table will move very slowly during the picture. You may be required to take a deep breath and hold it during the exam. This will stop your body from moving during the exam. The technologist will take pictures from a room next to the scanner. The technologist will be able to see you and talk to you from the room. Sometimes the technologist will come into the room during the exam to give you an injection in your arm. Generally, you will not have to change your daily activities following the exam.

HOW LONG WILL THIS TEST TAKE?
The scan takes about 30 minutes to complete although you will be in the CT scan room for about 40 minutes so that the IV can be connected and other scan preparations can be completed.

WHAT WILL I FEEL -- WILL IT HURT?
You will need to lie still once you are placed into the CT scanner so that the best pictures can be made. You may feel a general warming sensation once the dye is injected. You will not see the x-ray equipment rotate around you during the scan but you will hear the movement of the x-ray tube as it travels on its circular track inside the CT scanner.

WHAT WILL THE TEST SHOW?
The CT pictures show a unique view of the structures inside of your body. Your blood vessels are outlined by the dye injection and your bowel is outlined by the liquid you drank prior to the scan. These structures then become visible in the CT pictures. Sections of bones, tissue, organ, blood vessels and bowel can be viewed without the interference of overlying structures. If there are any abnormal area caused by injury, internal bleeding, tumors or unusual blood vessel or bowel patterns they can be seen on the CT images.

HOW DO I GET READY?
You will be given some preparation instructions and a special liquid (oral contrast) that will help outline your bowel. You will need to wear a short sleeved hospital gown so that the IV can be started and to avoid any CT picture interference from buttons, snaps, zippers, etc. on your clothes. You may eat as you normally do until six (6) hours prior to your scan, then you should not eat or drink anything except the oral contrast material. You should continue to take any medications as prescribed by your doctor. You may want to empty your bladder before going to the CT Department so you are as comfortable as possible during the scan.

Reviewed: November 2006