WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING MY CT?
You may be asked to wear a hospital gown or scrubs and may have to remove items such as glasses, jewelry, dentures, hearing aids, etc. Women should always inform their technologist if there is any possibility of pregnancy.During the exam, you will lie on a table that will move you into the doughnut-shaped scanner. For most CT exams, the scan itself takes less than 20 seconds. Time in the tube is minimal. Your technologist will watch you through an observation window and will be able to communicate with you at all times. You may hear humming, buzzing, or clicking sounds as the CT machine rotates around the table you’re lying on, gathering its data. Your technologist may also reposition you for additional images.CT scans are painless, but some exams require injection of a contrast agent through an IV. Remaining still is very important in order to obtain the best images possible.When scanning is complete, the technologist will return to help you from the table. You may resume your normal diet unless otherwise instructed by your doctor or if you have other exams to follow. To help eliminate contrast agents from the body, it is best to drink plenty of fluids following the exam. Your exam will take about 30 minutes, after which you will be able to return to your normal activities (while adhering to any instructions your doctor may have given you).