![]() We offer two types of cardiac CT scans to look for heart disease: This test is increasingly helping patients avoid procedures called cardiac catheterization that involve having a catheter inserted into the blood vessels. What Are Cardiac CT Scans?Ĭardiac CT scans are special imaging tests that help your doctor look at your heart and your heart’s arteries (called the coronary arteries). To find out if you are a candidate for CT lung cancer screening, talk with your doctor. CT lung cancer screening is often recommended for people considered to be at high risk for lung cancer, especially those with a history of smoking. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. With this scan, we can identify nodules as small as 2 to 3 millimeters – about the size of a pen tip. This test can detect very small tumors or nodules (masses of cells) that may not be visible on a standard chest X-ray. Had issues with contrast dye in the past or are allergic to iodineĬT lung cancer screening is a specific type of CT scan that allows doctors to look at your lungs for any signs of cancer.If you need a CT scan with contrast, let your doctor know if you have: These sensations are harmless and go away within a few moments.īe sure to drink plenty of water after your test to help flush the contrast out of your system. For example, if you are given contrast in a vein, you may notice a metallic taste in your mouth and a warm, flushing feeling through your body. The CT technologist or radiology nurse will let you know how the contrast will be given and what to expect. It helps make the pictures of the area of the body being studied even clearer. What Is "Contrast"?įor some CT scans, you will be given a special dye – either by mouth or injected into a vein in your hand or forearm. Your doctor will help explain what the results mean for you. You can resume all of your usual activities after the test is over.Ī radiologist (a doctor who uses medical imaging techniques to find or treat diseases or injuries) will look at the images and send a report to the doctor who ordered the exam, typically within 24 hours.He or she may ask you to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds at a time during the scan. Even though you’ll be alone in the room, the technologist will check in with you over a speaker during the test.Try to stay as still as possible to avoid blurring the images.The table, which is on tracks, will slowly move you into the center of the doughnut-shaped scanner.The technologist (the person who will perform your test) will help position you (usually on your back) to get the best images and to make sure you’re comfortable.You’ll be taken to an exam room and asked to lie on a table.Depending on the specific CT scan, the test can take between 5 and 30 minutes.What to Expect During and After a CT Scan In this case, you will be asked to arrive up to 90 minutes earlier.īe sure to talk with your doctor about any concerns you might have before your test date. Some CT exams require drinking an oral dye known as contrast before you are taken into the exam room. Arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time.Inform your doctor or technologist if there’s any chance you could be pregnant.For cardiac exams, you may be asked to adjust or stop taking certain medications. For example, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period of time before your exam. Follow any instructions that were given to you.Remove jewelry, hair clips, eyeglasses or other metal objects, which can affect the CT images.Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing you may be given a gown to wear during the exam.Your doctor will provide information about how to best prepare for your specific CT scan. Has the expertise to perform specialized CT tests, including CT lung cancer screenings and cardiac CT exams that allow doctors to look closely at the heart and its arteries.Uses the lowest possible radiation doses.Offers the most advanced CT scanning capability, including dual-source CT technology - a new, ultra-fast approach that provides additional benefits over standard CT scans for trauma, heart and pediatric imaging, in particular.This technology gives doctors a much clearer view of these structures than regular X-rays. Neurological issues affecting the spine or brainĭuring a CT scan, multiple, rotating X-ray beams are guided by a computer to create cross sectional images or “slices” of the inside of various parts of the body at many angles. ![]() These imaging tests can help detect a wide range of conditions, including: A computed tomography, or CT scan, creates very detailed pictures of your body.
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