Patient Information for CT Scans at Holy Cross Hospital

A CT scan is a method of taking pictures inside your body. A scanner produces a series of images, many of them that do not show up on conventional x-rays. The scanner takes these pictures while you rest on a scanning couch. In some scans, a dye will be injected to outline blood vessels or organs so that they can be seen more easily

How long does it take?
15 minutes to one hour (except biopsy)

Does it hurt? 
A CT scan is completely painless. However, some patients may experience slight discomfort from the injection of a dye 

 There are no after-effects from the CT scan. You should feel just as you did before the scan

What should you do to prepare for the test?

If a dye is to be used during the scan, you may be asked not to eat for at lest 4 hours before the scan

Do not drink anything for one hour before the test - however, some studies allow clear fluids.

Give a complete list of any medications you are currently taking, both prescribed and nonprescription, to your doctor

Tell your doctor or radiologist all details concerning the following aspects of your current health:

• If you are pregnant
• If you are diabetic
• If you are allergic to any foods or drugs 
• If you had any previous side effects to a contrast medium or dye in the past
• If you have had or are presently being treated for an infection anywhere in your body

You must put on a hospital gown and remove watches, jewelry, or any other metal objects you might be wearing 

You will lie down on the scanning table.  You will be positioned comfortably, generally with your arms at your sides and your head cradled in the headrest. If you have long hair, it will be tucked into the headrest.

How is it performed? 
The part of your body to be scanned must be positioned in the middle of the scanner ring. You will be asked to keep as still as possible during the scan. You may breathe normally throughout the scan.

If a contrast medium (dye) is used, the radiology technologist will probably take some preliminary scans before the radiologist injects the dye.

You will hear clicking and buzzing noises as the mechanism in the scanner moves around your body.

After the test
The images will be reviewed for quality, If they are acceptable, you may return to your hospital room or go home, unless given other instructions from the doctor. ·If more images are needed, they will usually be taken right away.

Unless you have other tests scheduled, you may eat normal meals after the exam. Drink plenty of fluids. They will help eliminate the contrast medium from your body (if one was used)

When the test results are complete, you will be informed of them either at the time of your visit, or from a copy of the letter sent to your personal physician