What is a CT Scan?
A CT scan (or CAT, for computed axial tomography) is a simple, safe way for your physician to “see inside your body.” A computer creates highly detailed cross sections and can build three dimensional pictures of your organs, tissues, and bones from x-ray beams. CT scans aid your physician in accurately diagnosing your illness or injury, and planning treatment.

At LIFESCAN Imaging, you can be assured that we are utilizing the highest quality equipment, as well as trained technologists and radiologists employing the latest imaging techniques. Our radiologists are sub specialists who keep abreast of the latest scientific and medical developments. Our staff is well prepared and will be pleased to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Advise the receptionist and your technologist if you have any of the following:

  • Pregnancy
  • Allergy to food or medications, such as shellfish or iodine
  • Asthma
  • Kidney Dysfunction (past or present)

Important Considerations
Patients undergoing certain exams will be instructed not to eat solid food for six hours prior to the exam. Please take routine medications as needed with a minimal amount of clear liquids. Too much liquid before your exam can dilute your contrast.

During your CT scan, you will like on an x-ray table that will slowly be moved through the doughnutshaped scanner. Certain patients will be informed and advised concerning the use of (IV) contrast (sterile iodine) as part of their CT scan. The CT exam usually takes between 15 minutes and one hour.

After the exam, you may resume regular activity unless otherwise instructed. Results of your scan will be interpreted within 24 hours by a boardcertified radiologist, who will discuss the findings with your physician.

CT Prep and Diet

C.T. HEAD WITHOUT CONTRAST ONLY

  • No preparation is needed for this exam. Patient may eat and drink prior to exam.
  • Procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

C.T. HEAD WITH AND WITHOUT INFUSION:

  • Patient is to be N.P.O. for four hours prior to exam except for any medications.
  • Patient will receive an intravenous contrast.
  • Procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

C.T. NECK

  • Routinely Done with IV Contrast
  • Patient is to be N.P.O. for four hours prior to exam.

C.T. ABDOMEN

  • This procedure is routinely done with oral and intravenous contrast.
  • The patient drinks two cups of dilute Barium before the exam starts.
  • The patient also receives I.V. contrast for the second part of the exam.
  • The patient should be N.P.O four hours prior to the exam.
  • Procedure takes approximately 30 - 40 minutes.

C.T. ABDOMEN AND PELVIS

  • Patient should arrive at the X-Ray Department one hour prior to their scheduled time.
  • Patient needs to drink a container (approximately 4 cups) of dilute barium during the hour prior to the exam.
  • Patient will receive intravenous contrast for the second part of the exam.
  • Patient should be N.P.O for four hours prior to exam except for medications.
  • Procedure takes approximately 40 minutes.

C.T. OF PELVIS

  • Patient should be instructed to come to LSI one hour prior to exam to drink a container of oral contrast.
  • The patient will also receive intravenous contrast.
  • Patient should be N.P.O. for four hours prior to exam, except for medications.
  • Scan takes approximately 20 minutes.

C.T. OF LUMBAR SPINE

  • No prep is needed prior to this exam.
  • Scan takes approximately 20 minutes.

C.T. CHEST

  • Scan is routinely done with I.V. contrast only, unless otherwise indicated.
  • Patient should be N.P.O. for four hours prior to exam.
  • Patient should bring a report of most recent chest x-ray.
  • Procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

C.T. CHEST – HIGH RESOLUTION

No preparation needed.

C.T. SCAN OF SINUSES/FACILY BONES/TEMPORAL BONES

  • This procedure is routinely done without contrast only, unless otherwise indicated.
  • There is no prep for this exam and patient may eat and drink prior to exam.
  • Procedure takes approximately 30 minutes.

C.T. ORBITS

  • Routinely done without IV Contrast unless specified by physician.
  • If IV contrast specified patient need to be N.P.O. for four hours prior to exam.

 


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