How long does a CT scan take?
The length of the exam depends on the type of study being performed. Scan times
vary from 5-30 minutes.
Will I need to have blood work done before my CT scan?
Labs are drawn on patients with the following criteria:
- If the Patient is over 60 years old. We can use Lab work that shows the
BUN & Creatinine levels that are less than one month old.
- If the Patient is diabetic.
- If the Patient is in renal failure.
* As a courtesy Advanced Imaging can draw labs on a day before your study,
so that you do not have to wait for results. (Please allow 30-45 min. for
lab results.)
What can I expect to happen when I come in for a CT scan that involves
IV contrast?
This is a list of what will take place:
- Start an IV.
- Simple IV start, allow 2-5 minutes.
- Difficult IV starts, allow 10-30 minutes.
*If you are a difficult IV start, please have you referring healthcare
provider notify our scheduler.
Can I take my daily medications?
You may take your prescribed medication(s) with the exception of the following:
If you are a diabetic you will be asked NOT to take Glucophage, Glucovance,
Metformin on the day of your exam. You will not take your Glucophage, Glucovance,
or Metformin until after your lab work done 48-72 hours after your CT scan.
What type of clothing should I wear for a CT scan?
Please wear clothing that is comfortable & metal free (i.e., metal free
bra, t-shirt, shorts or sweat pants) If you have to change into patient scrubs
there is a changing room with keyed lockers for your belongings.
Where can I put my jewelry during my scan?
As a courtesy keyed lockers are provided for your belongings.
What is a CTA?
A CTA is a (Computed Tomography Angiogram). This is an examination that uses
x-rays from a CT scanner and contrast media injected into a vein to visualize
blood flow in arterial vessels throughout the body. CTA scans can be on arteries
serving the brain to the arteries bringing blood to the lungs, kidneys, and
arms and legs. The CT scanner that is used at Advanced Imaging is a MDCT (Multiple
detector computed tomography) scanner. A MDCT scanner combines the use of x-rays
with computerized analysis of the images. Beams of x-rays are passed from a
rotating x-ray tube through the area of interest in the patient's body from
several different angles, creating axial cross-sectional images. A technologist
then reformats these images into coronal, sagittal, MIP’s (Maximum Intensity
Projections), and 3D images of the area being studied. Compared to catheter
angiography, which involves placing a catheter and injecting contrast material
into an artery, a CTA scan is a much less invasive and more patient-friendly
procedure. A CTA involves contrast material being injected into a peripheral
vein rather than an artery. CTA scans are used to screen large numbers of individuals
for arterial disease. Patients can have a CTA scan without being admitted to
a hospital.
I'm coming from out of town...Where can I spend the night?
With short notice, AI will be happy to provide overnight accommodations for
out-of-town patients.
What if I do not have transportation available to make it to my appointment?
With short notice, AI will be happy to make arrangements for patients in this
situation.
How soon can I book an appointment to be scanned at AI?
We offer extended hours, including early mornings, evenings for CT, MRI & Mammography, and Saturdays for CT & MRI scans. In most cases, we can schedule you for the same day that you call
for an appointment.
How is an MRI different from a CT?
CT uses ionizing (x-ray) radiation, and MRI does not. Instead, MRI creates high-quality
images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves. MRI
can detect certain diseases much earlier than other medical imaging techniques
can, making it the diagnostic tool of choice for many physicians.
Is it safe to have a CT?
CT scanners use x-rays. X-rays are forms of radiant energy that can penetrate
the body. Radiologists and x-ray technologists are trained how to use the least
amount of radiation or x-rays to obtain diagnostic images. Your physician has
determined that the benefits of a CT scan out weigh the risks of the radiation
exposure. CT scans provide valuable information about your health and play an
important role in helping your doctor make an accurate diagnosis. Great care
is taken to produce the best images with the lowest possible radiation.
All of our imaging equipment at Advanced Imaging is ACR (American College
of Radiology) accredited.
- The GE 16 slice Lightspeed MDCT (Multiple detector
computed tomography) scanner,
- The GE Digital Senographe 2000D Mammography machine,
- The GE 1.5 Tesla Signa Horizon LX Excite MRI (MRI
does not use x-rays)
The ACR accreditation means that we have met the very high standards the ACR
has set. The American College of Radiology is a national organization serving
more than 32,000 diagnostic and interventional radiologists, radiation oncologists
and medical physicists with programs for focusing on the practice of medical
imaging and radiation oncology, and the delivery of comprehensive health care
services.
The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for the achievement of high practice
standards after a peer-review evaluation of its practice. Evaluations are conducted
by board-certified physicians and medical physicists, who are experts in the
field. They assess the qualifications of the personnel and the adequacy of facility
equipment. The surveyors report their findings to the ACR’s Committee
on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the facility with a comprehensive
report.
Frequently Asked
MRI Questions
Frequently
Asked Mammography Questions
Frequently
Asked Registration Questions
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