About This Imaging Test
Computed tomography, also known as a CT or CAT scan, is a painless, non-invasive way to see inside the body using X-ray imaging. During a CT scan, multiple images are taken from different angles. A computer combines the images to create digital cross-sectional images, or slices, of soft tissue, organs, blood vessels and bone. The slices can often be combined to create 3-D pictures.
Computed tomography is often used to help identify and diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, trauma and cardiovascular disease. A CT scan can be performed even if you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
A 64-slice computed tomographic scans and low-dose CT scans — which result in lower doses of radiation exposure. However, all CT scans result in exposure to radiation, so it is important to let your care team know if you are pregnant to avoid potential risk to a developing child.
How the Test is Performed
Patient will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.
Once Patient is inside the scanner, the machine’s x-ray beam rotates around the Patient. Modern spiral scanners can perform the exam without stopping.
A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the body area can be created by stacking the slices together.
Patient must stay still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. Patient may be told to hold breath for short periods of time.
Complete scans most often take only a few minutes. The newest scanners can image Patient entire body in less than 30 seconds.
How to Prepare for the Test
Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into your body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.
Patient must let doctor know if Patient has ever had a reaction to contrast. Patient may need to take medicines before the test in order to avoid another reaction.
Contrast can be given several ways, depending on the type of CT being performed.
- It may be delivered through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm.
- It may be given into your rectum using an enema.
- Patient might drink the contrast before your scan. When Patient drinks the contrast depends on the type of exam being done. The contrast liquid may taste chalky, although some are flavored. The contrast passes out of Patient body through Patient stools.
How the Test will Feel
Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.
Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning feeling, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.
Why the Test is Performed
A CT scan creates detailed pictures of the body, including the brain, chest, spine, and abdomen. The test may be used to:
- Diagnose an infection
- Guide a surgeon to the right area during a biopsy
- Identify masses and tumors, including cancer
- Study blood vessels
Normal Results
Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined are normal in appearance.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results depend on the part of the body being studied. Talk to your provider about questions and concerns.
Risks
Risks of CT scans include:
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Damage to kidney function from the contrast dye
- Exposure to radiation
CT scans expose Patient to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. Patient and doctor should weigh this risk against the value of the information that will come from a CT scan.
Some people have allergies to contrast dye. Let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
- The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If you have an iodine allergy, a type of contrast may cause nausea or vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives.
- If Patient absolutely must be given such contrast, the doctor may give Patient antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.
- Patient kidneys help remove iodine from the body. Patient may need to receive extra fluids after the test to help flush iodine out of Patient body if Patient has diabetes or kidney disease.
Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If Patient has any trouble breathing during the test, tell the scanner operator immediately. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear Patient at all times.