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Computed Tomography (CT) Scanning

What is a CT (Computed Tomography) Scan?

A CT scan, or “cat” scan, is a set of highly-detailed images of the body. The images resemble slices of bread, and can show abnormalities inside the body which are invisible to the naked eye. The more slices that are taken, the greater detail the exam provides. For more information about 64-slice scans or cardiac CT scans, click here.

What is it for?

CT scans are especially valuable in emergency and critical care medicine, where rapid, accurate diagnosis may allow lifesaving treatments to be performed. For example, a CT scan of the head can detect internal bleeding in a patient with head trauma. A CT scan of the abdomen can detect appendicitis or kidney stones in a patient with abdominal pain. A CT scan of the lungs can blood clots in a patient with trouble breathing. In addition, with the new 64-slice CT scanners being installed at Grant Square Imaging (333 E Chestnut, Suite L01, Hinsdale) and Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, we will be able to immediately detect the three most fatal diseases associated with chest pain. It will also allow for better diagnostic imaging and virtual colonography in conjunction with traditional colonoscopies. Furthermore, this scanner can accommodate patients up to 400 pounds, takes only minutes to complete, and creates the best 3-D images of your organs for physicians to make accurate diagnoses and treatments. Our Board-Certified radiologists are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year, to interpret all urgent CT scans.

About your test

While you lie still on a table, the table slides into the scanner. The scanner resembles a large donut and collects x-ray pictures of your body as you pass through it. Some scans require an injection of IV contrast (“IV dye”). The IV contrast highlights blood vessels and organs and may be necessary to detect certain disorders. Scans of the abdomen are usually performed with oral contrast, a harmless liquid ingested by the patient one to two hours before the exam. The oral contrast helps to outline the stomach and intestines.

If you are having a CT Scan at Adventist Imaging Network, there are preparations that must be done for some exams. For some exams, you are required not to eat. Although you should not eat, in most cases you should continue your usual medications, but please ask your doctor before your test if you are unsure. If you are taking Glucophage, Glucovance, or metformin for diabetes, you must stop the medication for at least 48 hours after your scan. Check with your doctor for when you may safely resume your medication.Nothing needs to be done about body piercings for all CT exams. Please see below for specific instructions for your exam. If you cannot find the exam you’re having done, there is nothing to be done before your test.

CT with IV Dye – Some CT Scans require you to have an IV Dye. If you are having one of these tests, please do not consume anything 3 hours prior to your test. Also, if you are allergic to dye, you must see your physician before the exam to get a pre-medication.

CT of the Abdomen/Pelvis – If you are having this exam done, you must have an oral preparation before the exam. This means that you cannot eat or drink 4 hours prior to your test. You also must take the oral preparation (given to you by the radiology department) 3 hours and 1 ½ hour before your scheduled exam time. If your test is scheduled for 7:00 a.m., drink the first bottle at 9:00 p.m.    You will be given a final 8 ounces just prior to the scan.

CT of the Pancreas – This exam also requires an oral preparation, so you cannot eat or drink 4 hours before your test. In addition, you must take the oral preparation (given to you by the radiology department) one hour prior to the exam. Once you are in the department, the technologist will have you drink two glasses of water before the scan starts.

The risk from the x-ray radiation is extremely small. If your scan does not require IV contrast, there is no other risk. If your scan requires an IV contrast injection, as with any medication there is a small risk of an allergic reaction. We use the safest available type of contrast agent, non-ionic contrast, which has a very low risk of allergic reaction—about 3 out of 1000 (0.3%). Even when they occur, the vast majority of the allergic reactions are mild and not life threatening. Patients with existing kidney dysfunction, heart failure, or certain other medical conditions may be at increased risk for kidney dysfunction related to the IV contrast. A blood test to measure creatinine level (an indicator of kidney function) may be requested before your CT scan to ensure that any risk to the kidneys is low.

Most patients who are claustrophobic have no difficulty with CT scans. The scanner is very open and does not feel confining.

You may resume your usual activities. Your exam will be carefully reviewed by the radiologist who will send a detailed report to your doctor. Your doctor will discuss the results with you.

Please call 630-856-7070. CT scans are available at Adventist Hinsdale, Adventist La Grange Memorial, Adventist GlenOaks, Adventist Bolingbrook, DuPage Imaging (908 Elm, Suite 404, Hinsdale) and Grant Square Imaging (333 E. Chestnut, Suite L01, Hinsdale).

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For Information on Cardiac CT Scans, click here.