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CT SCANS
What is a CT scan and how does it
work?
What is it like to have a CT scan?
How do I prepare for a CT scan?
How do I make an appointment?
Referral information for physicians
Additional
information on CT Scans
What is a CT scan and how does it work?
A CT (computerized tomography) scan is a type of
x-ray that creates two- and three-dimensional images of the body.
Unlike traditional x-ray, a CT scanner can take "slices"
of the body that lets the doctor look at certain areas very closely.
A few examples of CT scans are:
Chest CT - to look at the heart, lungs, and
other parts of the cardiopulmonary system
Head and neck CT - to see the brain, spinal
cord and nervous system
Virtual Colonoscopy - to look at the gastrointestinal
tract
CTA (computerized tomographic angiography)
- uses a type of dye to examine blood vessels and seek out blockages,
internal bleeding, and other aspects of blood flow
Abdominal/ Pelvic CT - looks at the kidneys,
liver, reproductive organs, and other abdominal areas
Musculoskeletal CT - looks at the muscles
and the bones
What is it like to have a CT scan?
A technologist will help you lay down on a table.
The table then slides into a doughnut-shaped machine. X-rays are
taken and sent to a computer. These images can be used to find tumors,
nodules, cysts, and other abnormalities.
The exam itself may take from seconds to several
minutes, but setup time can take up to 30 minutes. While the test
is going on, the technologist may ask you to stay still or hold
your breath for short periods. For some tests, you will need to
have an IV or swallow a "contrast agent" that will help
the doctors see the area better.
The technologist will be watching the images on
a TV monitor outside the room. If you have any questions, you can
ask the technologist.
How do I prepare for a CT scan?
Unless your doctor tells you to do something else,
you'll keep taking your medications and eating normally. For CT
scans of the abdomen, you may have to drink a contrast solution
in order to prepare for the exam.
The contrast agents used in CT scans often contain
iodine. If you have an allergy to iodine or shellfish, or if you
have impaired kidney function, you should talk with your doctor
before having a contrast agent.
If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, you should check with your
doctor before having a CT scan.
If you are a diabetic who uses Glucophage, check
with your doctor before you have a CT scan, as Glucophage must be
stopped 48 hours after the exam.
How do I make an appointment?
You, or your doctor's office, can make an appointment
by calling our central scheduling office:
Central Scheduling: 617-665-1298
To schedule an appointment, you must have a referral
order from a primary care physician.
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Referral information for physicians
You can make a referral for your patients by calling:
Central Scheduling: 617-665-1298
ALL sites have staff that perform Head CT's 24/7
for stroke patients.
Network Supervisor:
Deb Truczinskas
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