When you need the most advanced CT.
CT, or computed tomography, is a highly accurate diagnostic tool that uses a series of X-ray images from different angles and computer software to create 3D, cross-sectional images of the body part being scanned. CTs provide much more detailed images than traditional X-rays and generally take less time than an MRI. Although CTs do use radiation, our radiologists utilize low-dose technology, which decreases your radiation exposure compared to standard X-ray technology.
We offer CT scans for pediatric and adult patients at our Main Center in Missoula.
We proudly hold the American College of Radiology gold seal in CT, meeting highest quality and safety standards.
We offer several specialized diagnostic CT services.
Physicians use CT scans to aid in diagnosing a variety of conditions. They are also a valuable tool in monitoring the effectiveness of certain medical treatments, including cancer treatment. Emergency CTs are used to quickly examine patients who may have internal injuries from a car crash or other trauma. We are proud to provide specialized CT scans to Western Montana patients including those treated at the Community Medical Center Emergency Department.
At Advanced Imaging, we offer:
CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring
CT Lung Cancer Screening
CT-Guided Spine Injections
CT Angiography
CT Virtual Colonoscopy
CT Myelogram
CT-Guided Biopsy
CT Disease Detection and Monitoring
CT Injury Detection
What to Expect
Let’s help you prepare.
We’re here to make your visit as comfortable as possible. A little prep goes a long way in ensuring everything runs smoothly.
- We will contact you a day before your exam to discuss the details.
- Do not eat or drink anything other than water during the three hours prior to your appointment unless we tell you otherwise.
- Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This will give you time to fill out any necessary forms and change into scrubs if needed.
- For the scan, you will lie down on a CT table. The table moves through the CT scanner while obtaining images.
- Depending on your healthcare provider’s request, you may receive a contrast liquid by mouth and/or IV. This contrast helps increase the visibility of your images.
- Once started, the procedure generally takes 5 – 15 minutes.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- If you have severe allergies or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to X-ray dye or iodine.
- If you have any medical conditions such as asthma or diabetes.
- If you have a history of renal failure or a liver or kidney transplant.
CT FAQ
Still have questions?
The length of the exam depends on the type of study being performed. Scan times last an average of 5 – 15 minutes.
Please wear clothing that is comfortable and includes no metal (i.e., metal-free bra, T-shirt, shorts or sweatpants). If you need to change into patient scrubs, there is a changing room with keyed lockers for your belongings.
You may take your prescribed medication(s) unless you are having an injection (including our spinal injection service) or a myelogram. Then you may be asked to pause certain medications.
As a courtesy, keyed lockers are provided for your belongings.
If we are injecting CT contrast during your procedure, we may first do a creatinine blood test for kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product that when found in high levels can signal impaired kidneys, and since contrast can stress impaired kidneys, we want to make sure your procedure will be safe. Please allow an additional 30 – 45 minutes for lab results, for a total visit time of a little over an hour.
We perform this blood test if:
- You are over age 60. (We can use creatinine lab work that is less than one month old.)
- You are diabetic.
- You are in renal failure.
CT uses ionizing (X-ray) radiation, and MRI creates images through the combination of a strong magnetic field and radio waves, without X-ray. Although CT does use radiation, we utilize low-dose technology, which decreases your radiation exposure compared to standard X-ray technology.
CT scanners use X-rays, a form of radiant energy that can penetrate the body. Our low-dose CT technology decreases radiation exposure and provides valuable information about your health to help your healthcare provider make an accurate diagnosis. Your provider determines if the benefits of a CT scan outweigh the risks of radiation exposure. Our radiologists and technologists are trained to use the least amount of radiation or X-rays to obtain the best diagnostic images.
All of our imaging equipment is accredited by the American College of Radiology. The ACR awards accreditation to facilities for achieving high practice standards based on a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists.