CT (CAT) Scan

Preparing for the exam

Your doctor will explain the restrictions on food and drink necessary to prepare for the exam.

Be sure to let your doctor know if you are allergic to iodine, are taking glucophage medication for diabetes, have had a recent exam using barium, or if you are (or could be) pregnant.

The exam

During a CT Scan, you will lie on a movable table that moves your body through a large donut-shaped ring. As you pass through the ring, the scanner takes a complete 360-degree picture of you and sends it to a computer. The table moves a small distance (less than ½ inch) and another picture is taken and sent to the computer. This process is repeated until the computer has enough information to reconstruct a complete image of your internal anatomy.

During the exam you will hear the sound of the motors and gears. It is important that you lie still because any movement can blur the images. The scan could take 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the part of your body being scanned. After the scan you will able to return to your normal activities.

You may be given CT barium or an intravenous contrast agent for the scan. These materials show up as pure white on the X-ray, making the organs more visible.

After the exam

The Radiologist who reads your scan will report to your physician on the results of the test.

Your doctor will explain the results to you and recommend follow-up treatment, if needed.