CT scan

Introduction
You will soon be visiting the Radiology Department of Bronovo Hospital for a CT scan. CT stands for Computer Tomography. Tomography means: showing images in 'slices'. A CT scan is a procedure in which X-rays are used to create cross-sections of a part of the body. 

The doctor treating you may already have told you something about this. This leaflet describes the procedure more in detail. Your particular examination may differ slightly from the description below. We recommend that you read the whole leaflet carefully. 

Preparation
If you are going to have a CT scan of your abdomen, you must not eat or drink anything for three hours before the procedure. This does not apply to other CT scans. If you are taking medication, you must take it as normal. 

The procedure
When you arrive at the hospital, report to the Radiology Department reception desk.
Depending on the type of scan you are going to have, you may be asked to undress (partially) in a changing room. For a reliable diagnosis it is important that you remove metal objects such as spectacles, jewellery, hearing aids and hairgrips. This only applies to (objects on) the part of the body that is to be examined. 

Sometimes an injection of contrast fluid is required (described later on in this brochure). The procedure starts with a general view: the examination table moves quite quickly through a circular opening. After this the actual scan is done with the examination table moving slowly. 

For a CT scan of your chest or abdomen, you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds (up to 20 seconds at most).
The X-ray tube rotates around you. The X-rays are received on the opposite side of the ring and converted into images with the help of a computer.

Contrast agent
Two kinds of contrast agent can be used during a CT scan to create clear images of certain organs. The use of these will depend on the information that is required. The radiologist will decide which contrast agent is necessary in your particular situation.

• If you are having a CT scan of your abdomen, you will usually have to drink three cups of contrast agent containing diluted barium thirty minutes before the procedure. This is essential for a clear view of your intestines.
• Many CT procedures involve administration of contrast agent via a blood vessel. A small plastic canula will be inserted in your arm using a small needle. This is simular to taking a blood sample. Contrast agent is administered via this canula. This is not painful. You may feel a sensation of warmth while the contrast agent is being injected.

Sometimes both types of contrast agent will be needed, and sometimes none will be required.  

Risks
X-rays in general are not completely free from danger, but the risk associated with the amount used in radiology is negligible. The decision to perform a X-ray is carefully balanced up against the important information that the procedure can provide. 

It is preferable for a CT scan not to be carried out during pregnancy. If any doubt exists, the procedure should be delayed until in the first week after the start of a period. 

Please inform the receptionist in the Radiology Department or the laboratory technician if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast medium. These allergic reactions are very rare. 

Some drugs, such as metformin, can cause side-effects in combination with contrast agents and kidney disease. Patients with severe kidney disease can not have contrast agent at all. It is therefore important for you to tell us if this is applicable in your case. 

Is a CT procedure painful?
A CT procedure is not painful. 

Length of the procedure
Depending on the information required, the procedure will take 5 to 15 minutes. 

After the procedure
Once the procedure is over, the canula in your arm, when used, will be removed. You can then leave the department. It is important that you drink plenty of liquid after the contrast agent injection.
If you have been given the contrast agent to drink, your stools may be discoloured for a time. Do not worry about this. 

Results
The technicians and the radiologist cannot give you the results of the scan immediately. The radiologist will study the CT images and make a report within a few days to the reffering doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you during a follow-up visit. If you do not already have an appointment for a follow-up visit, contact the Outpatients’ Department or your doctor (by phone) to make one. Make sure that the date of this appointment is at least one week after the date of the scan, to allow time for the images to be analysed and reported.

Where do I find the Radiology Department?
The Radiology Department is on the ground floor. From the Central Hall take the left-hand corridor. Then turn right by the lifts (corridor D) and report to the reception desk on your left. The route is also signposted.  

Final points
The Radiology Department would like to make sure that your appointment runs smoothly. So please be on time, taking into account some possible extra time to park your car.
If you are unable to attend, please give us at least 24 hours notice (Mon-Fri during working hours). Without a cancellation we have to charge you the legally established no-show fee.

If you would like more information after reading this leaflet, please call the Radiology Department, during office hours, tel.: 070 - 312 41 20.

Edition: June 2009/119