Providence Medical Group: Diagnostics: 64 Slice CT Scan

64 Slice CT Scan -

Abdominal Ultrasound

Aorta Sonogram

Arterial Doppler

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardioversion

Carotid Doppler

Contrast Echo w/ Definity

Peripheral Arteriogram

64 Slice CT Scan
1. Purpose of Test
	The CT Scan can assist your physician in detecting strokes, head injuries, herniated discs, abscesses, and locating fractures. It can also determine the extent of bone and soft tissue damage in trauma patients; in such cases it is especially helpful to have an imaging procedure which allows a fast first diagnosis. It can also diagnose changes in various organs and diagnosing or excluding diseases.
2. What to expect during procedure
	During the examination you will lying on a comfortable patient table. This table will then slowly move you through the opening of the examination unit called the gantry. All you need to do is pay attention to the instructions of the CT personnel who may, for example, ask you to briefly hold your breath or not to move certain regions of your body. As with conventional x-ray examinations, you will not feel the acquisition of CT images at all; you will only hear a low whirring noise. The patient table will move slightly during the entire examination. Depending on the examination, a contrast medium may be administered to aid in strengthen the resulting diagnosis. Most people tolerate the contrast medium without any problems and merely feel flushed for a moment. Since the contrast medium contains iodine which may cause an allergic reaction in some people, you should consult with your physician regarding any existing allergies prior to the examination. Should you feel any discomfort during the examination, you can communicate this to the CT team any time. Modern scanners are equipped with an intercom system for this purpose.
3. How to prepare for test
	Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant. If you have images from previous examinations (including x-rays), please bring them with you. For head and neck examinations: please remove all jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dentures or leave them at home. Please refrain from eating or drinking 4-6 hours before the examination. Medications can be taken with a small amount of water. It is very important to let your physician know if you have had previous allergic reactions to a contract medium, iodine, or shellfish or if you asthma. If you have diabetes or take medication, please inform the radiologist or his team.
4. When results will be available
	The radiologist analyzes the images and sends a report of the diagnosis to your referring doctor, who will then discuss the results of the CT examination with you at your next visit.

64 Slice CT Scan

1. Purpose of Test

2. What to expect during procedure

3. How to prepare for test

4. When results will be available