Questions about CT

Appointment times can vary depending on exams. Typically CT appointments are scheduled for 20mins to 1 hour to allow for clothing change, IV access, positioning, etc. The actual CT scan time is usually just a few breath holds.

The IV Contrast is known to give you a warm flush feeling, like you are laying in warm water. You may also get an odd metallic taste in your mouth/neck, and ultimately it settles in your bladder which may feel like you wet your pants or have a hot bottom. You will not wet your pants.

IV Contrast is filtered from your blood through your kidneys and will be urinated out. If you drank oral contrast it passes through your stool.

CT scans use X-rays to make detailed pictures of the internal structures of your body in cross section “slices” of the inside of your body. We use it to visualize and evaluate bones, internal organs and vascular structures. Each scan shows cross-sectional images of a specific area of the body. We adjust them to show different views, such as front to back and side to side without having to scan you multiple times.

The oral contrast fills the colon and small bowel for better visualization of your intestinal system. It is preferred for most abdominal/pelvic studies. However, the scheduler will notify you at time of scheduling if oral contrast is required for your specific exam.

IV contrast helps visualize your vascular system and internal organs, as well as characterize different pathology.

Typically no. Generally, we do not require fasting or with holding medications prior to your CT exam. There are few specialty CT exams which do require fasting and you will be notified at the time of scheduling if you are required to do so. We prefer that you stay very hydrated by drinking plain water the day prior and day of your exam if you are to receive IV contrast. If you have questions about preparation for your exam, please call our office for clarification.

We ask that you wear clothing with no metal zippers or buttons. We prefer to have no bra on or other clothing with metal clips, clasps or adjusters. It is also ideal to remove all jewelry and leave at home. Dressing with no metal and having no jewelry to remove will speed up your time during your appointment.

We do not require you to stop taking your metformin. We follow the ACR guidelines for diabetes and test the kidney function of all diabetic patients.

Although we do not require you to remove your CGM, it is recommended by most CGM manufacturers to remove your CGM during CT, XR and MRI exams. It IS necessary if the CGM is located in the area of interest, however. The removal will help the images not have artifacts (streaking or loss of detail) on the images, which could block out portions of the image.

Computed Tomography (CT) scans use X-rays to create images. Think of it like a 3D X-ray. CT is typically better at seeing bones, stones, some organs, blood, and in emergencies. CTs are very fast, typically just a few breath holds and you’re finished. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to create images. MRI has improved ability to see soft tissues such as muscles, joints, ligaments, and spinal discs. MRIs can last from 10-45 minutes, depending on the exam. Your doctor will order the specific exam depending on certain factors, such as symptoms, your health, and what they are searching for. Each type of modality (CT or MRI) has its pro’s. We cannot recommend or suggest exams for you. You should always have medical discussions with your doctor directly.