Elliot Imaging Center at Londonderry
Pre-registration for your exam
How do I prepare for my CT scan?
What to expect during your CT exam
A computerized axial tomography scan is more commonly known by its
abbreviated name, CT scan or CAT scan. It is an X-ray procedure
which combines many X-ray images with the aid of a special computer
to generate cross-sectional views and, if needed, three-dimensional
images of the internal organs and structures of your body. A CT
scan is used to define normal and abnormal structures within your
body.
Our Emotion CT scanner is a large donut-shaped machine that takes X-ray images at many different angles around your body. These images are processed by a computer to produce cross-sectional pictures of the internal structures within your body that your doctor has requested. In each of these pictures, the body is seen as an X-ray "slice," which is digitally recorded and then sent to Elliot Hospital’s PACS system where the images are interpreted by a board certified Radiologist.
Computerized Axial Tomography refers to the recorded image sections
at different levels of the body. Imagine the body as a loaf of
bread and you are looking at one end of the loaf. As you remove
each slice of bread, you can see the entire surface of that slice
from the crust to the center. The body is seen on CT scan slices
in a similar fashion from the skin to the central part of the body
being examined. When these levels are further added together, a
three-dimensional picture of an organ or abnormal body structure
can be obtained.
It is recommended to pre-register prior to your appointment. This is a simple procedure in which your current information is updated such as insurance, address etc. Click here to complete your pre-registration paperwork, or call (603) 663-5663. If you are pre-registered, you may come directly to the CT scan Department in Londonderry at your scheduled time. If you are not pre-registered, you need to go to the Admissions Department and register before your appointment in CT Scan.
If you have any questions regarding your appointment, you may also call the CT scan department in Londonderry at (603) 552-1478. We are here to assist you and to provide a smooth transition through our imaging service.
CT scans are performed to analyze the internal structures of various
parts of the body. This includes the head, where traumatic injuries
(such as blood clots, or skull fractures), strokes, tumors, and
infections can be identified. In the spine, the boney structure
of the vertebrae can be accurately defined, as can the anatomy
of the intervertebral discs and spinal cord.
CT scans are also used in the chest to identify tumors, cysts, or infections that may be suspected on a chest X-ray. CT scans of the abdomen are extremely helpful in defining body organ anatomy, including visualizing the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, aorta, kidneys, uterus, and ovaries. CT scans in this area are used to verify the presence or absence of tumors, infection, abnormal anatomy, or changes of the body from trauma.
The technique is painless and can provide extremely accurate images of your internal body structures. Our Emotion CT Scanner is the perfect choice to help provide important medical information and accurate diagnosis to your physician regarding your symptoms.
How do I prepare for my CT Scan?
In preparation for your CT scan examination, you may be asked to
avoid food, especially when contrast material is to be used. Contrast
material may be injected intravenously, or you may be required
to drink oral contrast. For certain types of abdominal CT Scans,
you may receive both intravenous and oral contrast. Therefore,
fluids and food may be restricted for several hours prior to the
examination.
If you have a history of allergy to contrast material (such as iodine) , your requesting physician and CT Scan Technologist should be notified prior to your exam.
If you are pregnant or think you may possibly be pregnant, please notify your requesting physician or CT Scan Technologist prior to your exam.
Please wear clothes without any metal zippers, hooks or snaps. These objects can cause a bright or black spot on the picture. Leave your jewelry at home. If this is not possible, a personal locker will be provided for you. Since some metallic objects may interfere with the quality and diagnosis of your imaging procedure, try to dress appropriately. If you are having a brain CT scan, please do not wear ear jewelry or hairpins. If your doctor requested a chest or abdominal CT scan, avoid wearing waist belts with metal buckles, or shirts and pants with metallic buttons and zippers.
What to expect during my CT Scan
At the start of your procedure, you will be placed on a movable
table. The table is slipped into the center of our large donut-shaped
Emotion scanner which takes the X-ray images around the body. The
actual procedure may take only a few minutes to about an hour depending
on the type of scan requested by your doctor.
If you require intravenous contrast, the technologist will place a small needle into a vein in your arm while you are on the CT exam table. You will then be asked to place your arms comfortably above your head so they will not interfere with the imaging process. Your comfort is important to us, so pillows and sponges will be provided to help you maintain proper positioning during your CT exam.
It is important during the CT scan procedure that you minimize any body movement by remaining as still and quiet as is possible. This significantly increases the clarity of the X-ray images. If your doctor requested a chest or abdominal CT scan, you may be required to hold your breath for a few brief seconds. If so, the CT scan technologist will tell you when to hold your breath and when to breathe.
You will be alone in the room during your imaging exam, but please be assured that our technologist will always be in verbal and visual contact with you during your procedure. Our board certified CT technologist watches you through an observation window during the procedure and there is an intercom system in the scanner for verbal communication with the technologist. We want you to be as comfortable and confident as possible regarding your stay with us.
When the imaging procedure starts, you will hear the X-ray tube make clicking and whirring sounds. This is perfectly normal as it moves around your body while capturing images of the internal structures within your body.
After your examination is completed, the technologist will come into the exam room and if applicable, remove the intravenous needle from your arm. After the technologist lowers the exam table to a comfortable height, you will be able to get up and exit the exam room. If there are any appropriate post exam instructions, they will be given to you at that time.
Please do not hesitate to speak with the technologist regarding any concerns, questions or explanations you may require. Remember, all of our CT technologists are here to help you and we want your stay with us to be as pleasurable as possible.
After the CT scan exam, you are free to resume your normal daily
activities. Soon after the completion of the test, a radiologist
will do a careful analysis of all the images. The results will
be reported to your personal physician, usually within 24 hours.
Your physician will discuss these results with you.
If you have any questions regarding your CT exam preparation, please feel free to contact our patient coordinator at 603-552-1477.
