A computed tomography (CT) scan is a noninvasive, outpatient medical test used to diagnose medical conditions ranging from tumors to appendicitis. Outpatient Radiology CT scans use special x-ray equipment and computers to produce multiple images from inside a patient’s body.
CT scanning provides greater clarity and reveals more detail than regular x-ray exams. Patients will be asked to remain still during the scan to ensure image clarity. Any movement while scanning can lead to blurring and artifacts on the image. When the examination is completed, patients will be asked to wait until the Outpatient Radiology technician verifies the images quality for accurate interpretation. The actual CT scanning takes less than 30 seconds and they entire process is usually completed within 30 minutes.
Although it is not suggested, newborns, infants and older children may undergo CT scanning at Outpatient Radiology. Children may be asked to not eat or drink anything for several hours beforehand, especially if a sedative or anesthesia will be used in the exam.
Outpatient Radiology has an anesthesiologist on staff to accommodate any patients with claustrophobia and to professionally monitor any sedation. However, the machine used for CT scans has a shallow depth that keeps most of the patient’s body out while scanning, lowering the claustrophobic feel.
Follow-up examinations at Outpatient Radiology are often necessary and patients should not worry if another exam is requested. A follow-up exam can clarify questionable findings, detect changes in a known abnormality and is the best way to ensure a treatment is working.