CT (Cat Scan)
Other than head and abdomen
Prep Time: Hours


PREPARATION:

  1. Exam must be approved by radiologist or Radiology resident and scheduled with CT, Ext 78900 Internal or 847-8900 external.
  2. Depending on the scan, IV contrast may or may not be used. Contrast usually is not used in CT of the spine, but usually used in CT of the chest.
  3. Notify physician and CT Division if allergic to iodine, is a diabetic or has decreased renal function.
  4. No restrictions--patient may eat and drink.
  5. Must be able to lie still and hold breath on command.
  6. May wear hospital gown and pajama bottoms (no snaps).
  7. CAN NOT use PICC line-need saline lock or running IV.

PLEASE NOTE:

If contrast is to be given and the patient is a diabetic taking Glucophage (Metformin), the following precautions need to be taken:

  1. If the serum creatinine is normal, a repeat creatinine should be drawn in 48 to 72 hours.
  2. If the creatinine is 1.5 or greater, the drug should be stopped for 48 hours after the administration of IV contrast and the serum creatinine rechecked before resuming the drug at the doctor's order.
  3. In either case, fluids should be encouraged.

PROCEDURE:

The majority of the time the patient will be positioned supine on a narrow, movable table. If contrast is needed, it will be injected through an existing IV or heparin lock, or a venipuncture will be done in the CT Division. The table is then moved into the machine and a series of images will be taken. The patient must be able to lie still and follow commands. If he/she cannot cooperate, then notify the physician for a sedation order. After the scan is complete, the patient may resume his/her previous activities. The exam takes approximately 30 minutes. If contrast was used, the patient should be encouraged to force fluids to assist in excretion of the contrast.

PATIENT EDUCATION:

You are scheduled to have a C.T. or CAT Scan. This test is done to look at the structures within a specific area to determine if abnormalities are present. This test may be done either as an inpatient or outpatient. It is important that you are on time for your exam so other scheduled tests are not delayed.

At the time of your exam, you will be placed in the desired position on a narrow, movable table. This table fits through a hole in the middle of a large square machine, which does the scanning. The table will be moved into the scanning machine and the desired images will be taken. If contrast (a material containing iodine that shows up white on x-ray picture) is needed, a saline lock will be started in your arm and the appropriate amount of contrast administered. During the injection of contrast you will feel very warm and flushed. This is a normal sensation and will pass quickly.

It is very important that you Notify The C.T. Division If You Are Allergic To Iodine Or Are A Diabetic, Or If You Have Had Reactions To Contrasts Or Dyes In The Past. If you are a diabetic and taking Glucophage, and if your kidney function is borderline or abnormal, you need to discuss this with your physician as this drug may need to be stopped for 48 hours after the IV contrast injection.

You must be able to lie still during the scan. There may be times when you will be asked to hold your breath (6 to 10 seconds) throughout the scan. If you are unable to lie still or hold your breath on command, please notify your physician and the C.T. Division as the exam may not be able to be done.

During the exam you will be observed constantly by the C.T. technologist from an adjoining room with a large glass window. Verbal instructions will be communicated to you through an intercom system. After the desired pictures are obtained, you will be discharged or returned to your room and may resume your previous activities. If contrast was used, you should increase your fluid intake over the next several hours to help flush the contrast from your system.