CT Soft Tissue Neck

You will be asked to lie down on a table attached to the CT scanner. The scanner itself is a large doughnut shaped machine with a large hole in the middle that the table will slide through. Your position on the table depends on the body part being scanned, but a majority of the time you will be asked to lie on your back, with your head on a cushion, with your feet pointing toward the scanner.

If you are to receive contrast, the technologist will then start an IV. Once it is in place, they will then take preliminary scans of the area in question. These are called scout images and are used to map the area for testing. During this, you will feel the table move, but you will not be touched. The scanner will, with recorded messages, ask you to take a breath before each scan, and hold it for the duration of the scan (normally 12-13 seconds). For some patients, even this small amount of time is extremely difficult. This is understandable and we will not ask more than you are capable of.

Once the technologist completes the scout images, he or she will proceed with the primary exam. If contrast is to be given, it will then be administered through your IV with either a pressure injector or pushed by hand with a syringe, depending on the test. In some patients, the actual injection can be associated with a sensation of warmth, heat or flushing. These feelings are transient and typically pass quickly after the injection.

Images will then be obtained. The table will once again move, with the only difference being a slightly longer scan time. It is important that during this scanning you remain as still as possible so that the scanner may get the best possible images. This will help to insure the most accurate diagnosis possible.

When the scans are complete, the table will be positioned out of the scanner and you will be allowed to sit up. If you received an IV, it will be removed and a bandage placed over the injection site. If needed, the technologist will relay any further instructions for you at the time and you’ll be free to leave.

The entire procedure normally takes 5-10 minutes. Contrast studies may take an additional 10-15 minutes. If an oral contrast is required, you will also need an additional 45-50 minutes prior to the test.

If your physician has asked you to bring the films or disk of your exam with you to your next office visit, please let the technologist know. Please be aware that it may take 20-30 minutes to prepare the images for transfer, so schedule your time accordingly.

This post was last modified on Tháng mười một 21, 2024 5:40 chiều