Computed Tomography (CT)
About
CT scan-Computed Tomography, sometimes called CAT scans, is a diagnostic medical test that, like traditional x-rays, produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. CT takes axial images in the body and uses the computer processing to create cross-sectional images. The CT/Computed Tomography Department/Clinic delivers patient-centered health care to adults, infants, children, and adolescents.
Appointment Information
- If you are female of child bearing age (12-55), and you have not had a menstrual cycle in the last 30 days, you will need a pregnancy test through Evans lab. The Radiology front desk can fill out the paperwork needed for the test.
- Emergency Room patients will have priority over Routine scheduled patients.
Tell The Technologist
- If you are allergic to iodine or other materials.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you are claustrophobic and think you will be unable to lie still while inside the CT scanner.
- If you are diabetic, on Metformin, Glucophage, Glumetza, Fortamet, Riomet, Glucovance, Metaglip, Janumet, PrandiMet, Kombliglyze XR.
Who Can Be Seen Here
- Active Duty Military
- TRICARE Prime
- TRICARE Plus
- TRICARE Standard
Exam Preparation
Below are some of the exams performed here and their required preparation. If your exam is not listed or you have further questions please contact us for guidance.
- Head
- Sinus
- Extremities
- Stone Hunt
No prep required for these exams.
- AAA
- Abdomen Renals (CTA) W/Contrast
- Chest (CTA)(PE) W/Contrast
- Chest With Contrast
- Facial Evans
- Head With or Without Contrast
- Neck and Chest
- Orbits With Contrast
- Carotids/COW (CTA)
- Soft Tissue Neck With Contrast
Report to Radiology 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
- Do not eat or drink (except water) two hours prior to your exam.
- Take all and any medications currently prescribed by your physician.
- If you are 65 years or older, diabetic, have kidney problems, or have only one kidney, report to the Radiology Department for lab paperwork to have blood work drawn AT LEAST 48 hours before your exam.
- Inform Radiology if you are allergic to iodine.
Report to Radiology 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
- Do not eat two hours prior to your exam.
- Drink 1 liter of water 30 minutes prior to your exam and DO NOT empty your bladder.
- If you are 65 years or older, diabetic, have kidney problems, or have only one kidney, report to the Radiology Department for lab paperwork to have blood work drawn AT LEAST 48 hours before your exam.
- Inform Radiology if you are allergic to iodine.
- Abdomen With or Without Contrast
- Abdomen/Pelvis With or Without Contrast
- Chest/Abdomen With Contrast
- Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis With or Without Contrast
- Pelvis With or Without Contrast
Report to Radiology 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
- Report to Radiology to pick up your oral contrast media (two bottles) 48 hours before your appointment.
- For morning appointments - nothing to eat or drink after midnight (you may have SMALL sips of water if needed).
- Drink the 1st bottle of contrast media at bedtime.
- Drink the 2nd bottle of contrast media 1 hour before your exam.
- For afternoon appointments - nothing to eat or drink, except water, 4 hours before your appointment.
- Drink the 1st bottle of contrast media 4 hours before your appointment.
- Drink the 2nd bottle of contrast media 1 hour before your exam.
Report to Radiology 15 minutes prior to your appointment time.
- You must drink a total of 32 ounces of whole milk.
- Drink 20 ounces 1 hour before your exam.
- Drink 12 ounces 20 minutes before your exam.
- If you can not tolerate milk then you can substitute it with the same amount of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need any prep for my exam?
A. Dependent upon what kind of study your physician has ordered, you may or may not need oral/iv contrast. See below for further Exam Preparation information.
Q. Are CT scans radiation?
A. Yes, CT scans emit radiation.
Q. Will I need lab work?
A. Dependent upon what kind of study your physician has ordered, you may or may not need lab work.
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