CAT Scan
CT Technology
TheLightSpeed Volume Computed Tomography (VCT) System®, by GE Healthcare, will allow Atlantic General Hospital’s radiologists
(the physician who specializes in interpreting imaging exams) and technologists
to quickly capture high-clarity images as thin as a credit card. These
images, commonly known as a CAT scan, are combined to form a 3-D view
of the patient’s anatomy for a physician to analyze. CT imaging
can be used to detect cancer, conditions due to trauma, blood clots, infections,
bone disorders, and other conditions. A CT scan, unlike an MRI, can be
performed even if you have a pacemaker.
CT (CAT scan) Services
AGH CT services are accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR)
for adult and pediatric patients and have achieved the distinction an
ACR Designated Lung Cancer Screening Center. Our CT services support the
AGH Stroke Center of Excellence: Once a stroke occurs, treatment should
be delivered as quickly as possible to insure the best outcome for the
patient. The LightSpeed Volume CT® offers the speed and resolution
required for rapid imaging of blood vessels in the brain. This enables
physicians to make a quick diagnosis and determine the best course of
treatment while reducing the number of exams a patient may need to undergo.
Some Other CT Services:
Brain including blood vessels and other structures
Soft Tissues including blood vessels and other structures in the neck
Internal Organs – Chest, abdomen and pelvis
Bones including joints, spines and the surrounding structures
Patient preparation
Depending on the type of CT scan you are having done, you may need to
fast (not eat or drink) prior to your scan. You may also be asked to drink
oral contrast (a barium mixture) several hours prior to your exam to highlight
certain parts of your internal organs. Depending on the examination, you
could be required to receive an injection of contrast material (x-ray
dye) during your CT scan. You may need to wear a gown for your scan and
remove all jewelry.
What to expect
A CT scan is a painless, outpatient procedure and typically only takes
a few minutes to complete. The machine is round like a doughnut with a
table attached. You will lie on the table and slide through the “doughnut
hole.” Patients typically do not experience claustrophobia during
a CT scan. You may be asked to hold your breath during certain parts of
your exam for clearer images. It is very important to keep very still
during the scan. You will be able to communicate with the technologist
who is in a separate room via an intercom the entire time. If you take
a medication to manage diabetes that contains metformin and have an injection
of contrast material, you will be given instructions to discontinue the
medication after the CT and to contact the provider who manages your diabetes
after the scan for instructions for restarting the medication.
Risks
• Radiation exposure
• Harm to unborn baby (it is important to let your technologist know
if you are or think you may be pregnant)
• Adverse reaction to contrast (it is very important to tell the
technologist if you have had a contrast reaction in the past)
Report
A radiologist will read your scan and send the results to your health
care provider. Your provider will go over your scan results with you and
discuss next steps.