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Computed
Tomography (CT)
Scan
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" WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging

exam that uses X-ray technology to
produce images of the inside of the
body.

A CT scan can show detailed images

of any part of the body, including the
bones, muscles, organs and blood
vessels.

CT scans can also be used for fluid or

tissue biopsies, or as part of preparation
for surgery or treatment.

CT scans are frequently done with and

without contrast agent to improve the
radiologist’s ability to find any
abnormalities.

What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography is commonly referred to as a
CT scan. A CT scan is a diagnostic imaging
procedure that uses a combination of X-rays and
computer technology to produce images of the inside
of the body. It shows detailed images of any part of
the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs
and blood vessels.

CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays. In

standard X-rays, a beam of energy is aimed at the
body part being studied. A plate behind the body part
captures the variations of the energy beam after it
passes through skin, bone, muscle and other tissue.
While much information can be obtained from a
regular X-ray, a lot of detail about internal organs and
other structures is not available.

In CT, the X-ray beam moves in a circle around the

body. This allows many different views of the same
organ or structure and provides much greater detail.
The X-ray information is sent to a computer that
interprets the X-ray data and displays it in two-
dimensional form on a monitor. Newer technology
and computer software makes three-dimensional
images possible.

CT scans may be performed to help diagnose tumors,

investigate internal bleeding, or check for other
internal injuries or damage. CT can also be used for a
tissue or fluid biopsy.

Why are CT scans sometimes

ordered with contrast?
CT scans may be done with or without contrast.
Contrast refers to a substance taken by mouth or
injected into an IV line that causes the particular
organ or tissue under study to be seen more clearly.
Contrast examinations may require you to fast for a
certain period of time before the procedure. Your
doctor will notify you of this prior to the procedure.

You will need to let your doctor know if you have ever
had a reaction to any contrast media and/or any
kidney problems. A reported seafood allergy is not
considered to be a contraindication for iodinated
contrast. If you have any medical conditions or recent
illnesses, inform your doctor.

Find an Imaging Location

Bethesda

Columbia

Green Spring Station, Lutherville

Washington D.C.

White Marsh

See additional imaging locations !

How do I prepare for a CT

scan?
If you are having a computed tomography
angiography (CTA) or a virtual colonoscopy, you will
be given specific instructions when you make your
appointment.

PRECAUTIONS: If you are pregnant or think you may

be pregnant, please check with your doctor before
scheduling the exam.

CLOTHING: You may be asked to change into a

patient gown. If so, a gown will be provided for you.
Please remove all piercings and leave all jewelry and
valuables at home.

CONTRAST MEDIA: Contrast may be indicated for

your exam. The contrast media improves the
radiologist’s ability to find structures that are
abnormal and understand normal anatomy better.

Some patients should not have an iodine-based

contrast media. If you have problems with your
kidney function, please inform your radiologist in
advance. We may be able to perform the scan
without the contrast media or find an alternate
imaging exam.

The most common type of CT scan with contrast

is the double-contrast study, which will require
you to drink a contrast media before your exam
begins in addition to the IV contrast. The more
contrast you are able to drink, the better the
images are for the radiologist to visualize your
digestive tract.

ALLERGY: Please inform the access center

representative when you schedule your scan if you
have had an allergic reaction to any contrast media.
IV contrast will not be administered if you have had a
severe or anaphylactic reaction to any contrast media
in the past. Mild to moderate reactions warrant a plan
that includes taking medication prior to the CT
examination. These plans will be discussed with you
in detail when you schedule your exam. Any known
reactions to a contrast media should be discussed
with your personal physician.

EAT/DRINK: If your study was ordered without

contrast, you can eat, drink and take your prescribed
medications prior to your exam.

If your doctor orders a CT scan with contrast, do not

eat anything three hours prior to your CT scan. We
encourage you to drink clear liquids. You may also
take your prescribed medications prior to your exam.

DIABETICS: People with diabetes should eat a light

breakfast or lunch three hours prior to the scan time.
Depending on your oral medication for diabetes, you
may be asked to discontinue use of the medication
for 48 hours after the CT examination. Detailed
instructions will be given following your examination.

MEDICATION: All patients can take their prescribed

medications as usual.

The Newest CT: Faster Than

a Heartbeat

A new CT scanner will change the

management and outcomes of coronary
artery disease. The CT scan captures
images of the heart between beats, leading
to clearer images to help detect anatomic
and functional characteristics of coronary
artery disease. This technology can also be
used to help replace invasive tests to
determine which patients with chest pain
need intervention.

Read more !

What are the risks of a CT

scan?
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you
should notify your health care provider.

The amount of radiation dose used in a CT scan is

small. You may want to ask your doctor about the
amount of radiation used during the CT procedure
and the risks related to your particular situation.

If you are claustrophobic or tend to become anxious

easily, tell your doctor ahead of time. You may be
prescribed a mild sedative to take before the
procedure to make you more comfortable.

What happens during a CT

scan?
CT scans may be performed on an outpatient basis or
as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may
vary depending on your condition and your
physician’s practices. Generally, CT scans follow this
process:

You may be asked to change into a patient gown.

If so, a gown will be provided for you. A locker
will be provided to secure all personal
belongings. Please remove all piercings and
leave all jewelry and valuables at home.

If you are to have a procedure done with

contrast, an IV line will be started in the hand or
arm for injection of the contrast media. For oral
contrast, you will be given a liquid contrast
preparation to swallow. In some situations, the
contrast may be given rectally.

You will lie on a scan table that slides into a

large, circular opening of the scanning machine.

The technologist will be in another room where

the scanner controls are located. However, you
will be in constant sight of the technologist
through a window. Speakers inside the scanner
will enable the technologist to communicate with
and hear you. You may have a call button so that
you can let the technologist know if you have any
problems during the procedure. The technologist
will be watching you at all times and will be in
constant communication.

As the scanner begins to rotate around you, X-

rays will pass through the body for short amounts
of time. You will hear clicking sounds, which are
normal.

The X-rays absorbed by the body’s tissues will

be detected by the scanner and transmitted to
the computer. The computer will transform the
information into an image to be interpreted by the
radiologist.

It is important that you remain very still during the

procedure. You may be asked to hold your breath
at various times during the procedure.

If contrast media is used for your procedure, you

may feel some effects when the contrast is
injected into the IV line. These effects include a
flushing sensation, a salty or metallic taste in the
mouth, a brief headache, or nausea and/or
vomiting. These effects usually last for a few
moments.

You should notify the technologist if you have any

breathing difficulties, sweating, numbness or
heart palpitations.

When the procedure has been completed, you

will be removed from the scanner.

If an IV line was inserted for contrast

administration, the line will be removed.

While the CT procedure itself causes no pain,

having to lie still for the length of the procedure
might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly
in the case of a recent injury or invasive
procedure, such as surgery. The technologist will
use all possible comfort measures and complete
the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize
any discomfort or pain.

What happens after a CT scan?

If contrast media was used during your
procedure, you may be monitored for a period of
time for any side effects or reactions to the
contrast, such as itching, swelling, rash or
difficulty breathing.

If you notice any pain, redness and/or swelling at

the IV site after you return home following your
procedure, you should notify your doctor, as this
could indicate an infection or other type of
reaction.

There is typically no special type of care required

after a CT scan. You may resume your usual diet
and activities unless your doctor advises you
differently.

Your doctor may give you additional or alternate

instructions after the procedure, depending on
your particular situation.

What are some of the advances

in CT technology?
Advances in CT technology include:

High-resolution CT: This type of CT scan uses

very thin slices (less than 0.1 inches), which are
effective in providing greater detail in certain
conditions, such as lung disease.

Helical or spiral CT: During this type of CT scan,

both the patient and the X-ray beam move
continuously, with the X-ray beam circling the
patient. The images are obtained much more
quickly than with standard CT scans. The
resulting images have greater resolution and
contrast, providing more detailed information.
Multidetector-row helical CT scanners may be
used to obtain information about calcium buildup
inside the coronary arteries of the heart.

Ultrafast CT (also called electron beam CT): This

type of CT scan produces images very rapidly,
thus creating a type of "movie" of moving parts of
the body, such as the chambers and valves of
the heart. This scan may also be used to obtain
information about calcium buildup inside the
coronary arteries of the heart, but the helical
scanners are much more common.

Computed tomographic angiography (CTA):

Angiography (or arteriography) is an X-ray image
of the blood vessels. A CT angiogram uses CT
technology rather than standard X-rays or
fluoroscopy to obtain images of blood vessels —
for example, the coronary arteries of the heart.

Combined positron emission tomography and CT

(PET/CT): The combination of CT and positron
emission tomography technologies into a single
machine is referred to as PET/CT. PET/CT
combines the ability of CT to provide detailed
anatomy with that of PET to show cell function
and metabolism in order to offer greater accuracy
in the diagnosis and treatment of certain types of
diseases, particularly cancer. PET/CT may also
be used to evaluate conditions such as epilepsy,
Alzheimer’s disease and coronary artery disease.

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