Microsoft word - document4

CT Scan (Computed Tomography, CAT Scan) ________________________________________________ 1. What is the doctor looking for? CT scans are used to evaluate the cause of pain, infections, stones, blockages, and fractures or to look for masses. 2. What is the test? It is an x-ray procedure, which is performed to analyze internal structures of any body part, and to aid in diagnosing disease 3. Where is the test done? CT scans are performed within the radiology department. 4. May I eat or drink? Yes, but if you are given liquid barium as a test preparation please follow the specified time instructions. 5. What about medication? You may take any necessary medications if the CT procedure was ordered • If you are having a CT procedure WITH contrast and you are 50 years of age or older, all diabetic patients, patients with multiple myeloma, or a patient with known renal impairment you must have blood work, a Creatinine prior to testing. You may have the blood tests drawn prior to your scheduled appointment or, if you have the results from a Creatinine done within the last 14 days you may bring the results with you or your physician may fax the results to Central Scheduling. • Patients Taking Metformin and Receiving I.V. contrast: Patients must discontinue Metformin products at the time of the procedure. METFORMIN PRODUCTS: Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Glucovance-Glyburide, Avandamet-Rosiglitazone, Metaglip-Glipzide and Metformin • 48 hours after receiving IV contrast you must have the blood tests repeated prior to restarting any of the Metformin products listed above. The lab results will be sent to the ordering physician. 6. Will I have an I.V? Depending on the kind of exam you may have an I.V. of x-ray contrast in a vein in your arm during the exam. 7. Do I need special clothing? It is not necessary to get undressed for the procedure. You may be directed to move away belts, zippers, pins that would be in the way of the scan. 8. What should I bring? The order for the procedure. 9. What to expect? • During the C.T. examination the patient will lie on a cushioned table, which will move through a large donut shaped x-ray machine. • Images are obtained at many different angles around the body. It is important during the CAT scan that the patient remains as still as possible. • The technologist will ask the patient to hold their breath for several brief seconds. • The technologist directly watches the patient through an observation window during the procedure for patient safety. 10. How long does the test take? Be prepared to be at the hospital for 1 hour. 11. Tell your doctor if you… Have a history of having an allergic reaction to IV contrast as your doctor may want to prescribe a medication for you to take prior to the procedure. 12. Will the test make me sick or sleepy? Occasionally the oral barium may give people diarrhea. The I.V. contrast may make a patient feel warm and give a metal taste during the administering of the contrast. This will only last a few seconds and the patient should feel fine upon leaving. 13. Will I receive radiation during the procedure? Yes, in the form of x-rays. Special care is taken to minimize the dose of radiation through a trained technologist, but the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk. 14. What if I am pregnant? Only for special circumstances should pregnant women receive a CT scan. It would be at the agreement of her doctor and the radiologist. Anyone suspecting they may be pregnant should notify the ordering physician and the CT Technologist

Source: http://www.mercyweb.org/images/ct1.pdf