What Is Computed Tomography?
Computed Tomography (CT) scans are a quick and painless way to examine any part of the body when there is a clinical reason to suspect internal injury, disease, tumor or infection. To do this, a series of x-rays are taken from different angles around the body, combined and then processed by a powerful computer to create cross-sectional images of your body. Another way to think of the images are like slices of a loaf of bread.
Sol Radiology Earns ACR Accreditation
Sol Radiology has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in computed tomography (CT) as the result of a recent review by the American College of Radiology® (ACR®). CT scanning — sometimes called CAT scanning — is a noninvasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and tailor treatments for various medical conditions.
The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting specific requirements based on ACR Practice Parameters and Technical Standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported back to the facility and provides the practice with a comprehensive report that can be used for continuous practice improvement.
What to Expect?
Before
Preparation for CT scans depends on which area of your body is being examined. Upon arrival, you may be asked to wear a gown. Sometimes you will be asked to drink water prior to your examination.
During
For the duration of your CT scan, you will be asked to lie very still on a table connected to the scanner. As the table moves through the large opening, your technologist may assist you and communicate further instructions. Each scan takes about 20 to 40 seconds and the entire exam may last for 20 minutes. For many exams, an IV will be started to allow the injection of contrast material (radiology dye) that improves identification of blood vessels and various organs.
After
After your exam, you can return to your activities as normal. Our highly trained radiologists will analyze your images and report the findings for you to discuss with your doctor.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Contrast allergy: In certain CT examinations intended to best visualize and study the body’s vascular structures, an iodine-based contrast agent is injected intravenously during scanning. Commonly the injection site is the elbow area of the arm (like a blood draw for lab work). When you arrive, you will answer a questionnaire to see if you have any allergies that might make you more likely to have an allergic reaction to the iodinated contrast. If you know you are allergic to iodine or “x-ray dye”, please inform our staff at the time of scheduling so we can make the necessary pre-procedure arrangements. This material is not radioactive.
Radiation dose: Sol Radiology has a CT scanner that was developed to utilize the minimum dose necessary in providing high quality diagnostic images. We have installed a new CT scanner with techniques that allow us to use the lowest possible radiation dose with improved image quality. While radiation dose has been a concern in the past and we continue to need to use it appropriately, you can be assured that the radiation dose associated with your scan will be kept as low as possible.
While you can request medication from your physician to relieve the claustrophobia, it has been our experience that very few people are claustrophobic in our CT scanner. The scanner opening is 70cm (27.6”) across and the depth of the scanner in the opening is only 27”. If you would like to visit our office to see what our scanner looks like prior to your appointment, we are happy to arrange that in hopes that your visit will then go more smoothly and with lower anxiety.
Yes, CT scans do produce more radiation than a regular X-ray. The result of a regular X-ray is a 2D image while a CT scan will provide your doctor with a 3D image. You will get more information out of a CT scan than an x-ray, in general. As of this year, we have upgraded our technology to include the new GE Perspective Low-Dose 64-Slice CT scanner. In addition to provided us with the highest quality images, this scanner has automated low-dose technology which decreases the amount of radiation by over one-third of what was previously used.
Depending on what you are coming in for, you may be required to drink oral contrast. The organs in your abdomen an pelvis are all squished together. The oral contrast will highlight your bowels and allow the radiologist to identify bowel from the many other structures. However in some instances the oral contrast may cause diarrhea.
IV contrast is a clear solution consisting mainly of saline mixed with some iodine. Iodine will show up white on the images. It is administered through a vein in your arm.
IV contrast will allow the radiologists to identify your blood vessels and organs apart from other structures. You may experience a warm flush and/or metallic taste in your mouth as it is going in. If you are allergic to iodine please call our office and ask to speak to a CT technologist.