Computed Tomography (CT)
What is CT?
A Computed Tomography (CT) exam combines advanced X-ray technology with computer imaging to produce a highly accurate internal picture of the head or body. In the brain, a CT exam can detect the presence of tumors, blood clots, enlarged ventricles, and prior strokes. CT exams can also show, in great detail, enlarged lymph nodes, pancreatic disorders, potential cancerous growths, and many other bodily disorders that previously were diagnosed only through invasive exploratory surgery.
How does it work?
CT creates an image by using an X-ray beam, an array of individual small X-ray sensors, and a powerful computer. By spinning the X-ray source and the sensor/detectors around the patient, data is collected from multiple angles. The computer then processes this information to create an image on the video screen. These images are called "sections" or "slices" because they are thin cross-sections of the body. If necessary, these images can be combined on a powerful workstation and evaluated in different angles or in 3-D.
Why would you need this exam?
Your CT exam results may have a major impact on your doctor's diagnosis of a potential health problem. If a disease is detected, the CT exam helps your doctor develop and manage your unique treatment plan. A CT exam not only helps diagnose a problem, it also helps determine the likely outcome of various therapeutic alternatives. It can also help pinpoint the best approach to treatment and monitor your progress along the way.
Pre-exam instructions for a CT
To schedule your CT exam please call us at (707) 525-4040. If you need to cancel, please call us 24 hours prior to your scheduled exam time.
Be sure to tell your doctor and our Patient Services Representative whether you are allergic to any medications, have a history of asthma, or are on oral medication for diabetes.
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding, please tell your doctor before calling our offices.
Prior to your exam, you may need to drink a special liquid or be injected with a contrast material in order to show more detail in the CT image. If this is the case, you will need to avoid food and/or liquids for four to eight hours before your exam. This will be discussed with you when you make your appointment.
Please follow all special instructions given to you by your doctor or our Patient Services Representative. Failing to properly prepare for your exam may cause you to have to reschedule your procedure.
We recommend that you wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes without metal such as metal buttons, snaps or zippers. Otherwise, you will be asked to change into a gown before your exam. You will be asked to remove your jewelry or any other metallic objects which may contain traces of metal before your exam begins. A storage unit will be provided to you for the safekeeping of your valuables.
We ask that you arrive at our facility at least fifteen minutes prior to your scheduled exam time so you can complete all necessary paperwork. Be sure to bring a copy of your insurance information with you. We may request that you bring films or copies of results from any previous tests. Please be prepared to provide all information about your medical history.
The day of your exam
When you arrive for your exam you will be greeted by our CT technologist who will position you on the exam table that slides into a tube-like scanning machine.
As you lie as still as possible, small amounts of X-rays will be focused in a narrow beam to a small section of the area being observed. This step will be repeated many times as the X-ray tube rotates around your head or body. You will hear a low motor sound as the machine operates. A computer will then prepare a detailed composite image for review by one of our radiologists on a high resolution monitor.
Redwood Regional Medical Group utilizes state-of-the-art multi-slice CT scanners so you will find the procedure to be quick and comfortable. Most CT exams take less than 30 minutes to complete. Some exams require an injection of a contrast material. If an IV contrast is used it only adds a few additional minutes to your exam.
After your exam
You may leave as soon as the exam is complete. Unless you've received special instructions, you will be able to eat and drink immediately following your exam.
One of our radiologists will review and interpret the CT images and send a detailed report to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will contact you to share the results after they have had an opportunity to review them and consult with our radiologist.
CT side-effects
There are no long-term side effects associated with CT. If an intravenous contrast material is needed, we use a non-ionic substance, which has been proven to be safer and more comfortable for most of our patients. Very rarely a patient may react slightly to the contrast material. Reactions may include sneezing, hives, or rapid heartbeat. If you were to have a reaction you will be treated as necessary and evaluated before you are released to go home.