CT Scan

Patient Preparation

Our imaging and clerical staff have been chosen for their combination of outstanding technical skills and their ability to make patients relaxed and comfortable. We have provided details below that will help make your visit as easy as possible. Please follow the appropriate information and contact us if you have any questions.

Parking

Ample parking available

Arrival Time

Please arrive at least 10 – 15 minutes prior to your appointment for all scans. This will help us in making sure we are able to take all your details prior to your appointment along with filling out any consent forms we need and certain changing requirements we may have for you examination.

What to Bring

▪ Referral note
▪ Government approved identity card
▪ Previous images / medical records

Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or think you may possibly be pregnant, please check with your doctor before scheduling the exam. Other examinations can be discussed with you and your referring doctor.

Clothing

You may be asked to change into a patient gown. If so, a gown will be provided for you and somewhere to secure personal belongings. Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

Contrast Media

CT scans are most frequently done with and without a contrast media. Contrast media improves the radiologist’s ability to view the images of the inside of the body.

▪ No contrast – Sinuses, Spine, Limbs

▪ Contrast ( optional )- Abdomen, Pelvis, Chest and head

Some patients should not have an iodine-based contrast media. If you have problems with your kidney function, please inform our staff when booking or checking in for you scan. You may be able to have the scan performed without contrast media or have an alternative imaging exam.

You will be asked to sign a consent form that will detail the risks and side-effects associated with contrast media. It is injected through a small tube placed in a vein called an intravenous (IV) line.

Allergies

Please inform our staff when you schedule your CT scan if you have had an allergic reaction to any contrast media previously. IV contrast will not be administered if you have had a severe or anaphylactic reaction to any contrast media in the past. If you had mild to moderate reactions in the past, you would likely need to take medication prior to the CT scan. These plans will be discussed with you in detail when you schedule your exam.

Eat and Drink

If your doctor ordered a CT scan without contrast, you can eat, drink and take your prescribed medications prior to your exam. If your doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast, do not eat anything four (4) hours prior to your CT scan. You may also take your prescribed medications prior to your exam.

Diabetics

Please notify us if you are diabetic.

Medication

All patients can take their prescribed medications as usual. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING A CT SCAN?

You will be asked to lie on the examination table. If you require an injection of contrast media, it will be administered at this point via the radiographer or a machine pump.
When the contrast is administered, patients often get a metallic taste in their mouth and feel a hot flushing warm sensation throughout the body. This warm sensation can concentrate around the groin and buttock region giving the feeling of emptying your bladder. Do not be concerned as these sensations are not an allergic reaction and will pass within a couple of minutes.
The radiographer or machine may give you breathing instructions, such as directing you to hold your breath briefly.

AFTER A CT SCAN

Once the radiographer has reviewed the scans to ensure all appropriate images were captured, your cannula will be removed and you will be taken to a waiting bay for 10-15 minutes after your scan for staff to monitor you for signs of allergic reaction.
The reconstructed images produced from your CT scan will then be interpreted by our radiologist, who will produce a comprehensive report. Previous imaging will be compared if available to the Radiologist. The results of your scan will be delieverd to you with in 12 hours . films are usually given with reports, but can be given early depending on the urgency . The doctor will review the results of the CT scan and discuss them with the patient, including any findings or recommendations for further testing or treatment.
PATIENT SAFETY
As CT uses X-rays to recreate the pictures, our staff are highly trained to use the lowest radiation dose possible for high-quality images, minimalising radiation exposure for patients, and decreasing risks involved. The radiographer will only scan the area/s of concern, avoiding unnecessary exposure. The benefits of a CT scan outweigh the potential risks involved.
Pregnant patients should avoid having a CT scan, in order to avoid exposing the fetus to unnecessary radiation.
There are very limited contraindications for CT, meaning almost anyone is eligible to have a CT scan. However, like anything that you introduce to the body, there is a risk of allergy involved.
If you received contrast dye during the CT scan, you may be advised by our staff to drink plenty of fluids in order to flush the dye from your system. The contrast dye used in a CT scan is generally safe, but some patients may experience mild side effects such as nausea, and/or a metallic taste in the mouth. Although it is very rare, there are some people that may have an allergic reaction to the contrast dye. Patients should notify their doctor if they experience any of these symptoms after a CT scan.