CT Scans (Computed Tomography)

CT scans are performed at St George's Radiology, Cashmere Radiology and Southern Cross Radiology from May 2010.

A technologist, who is an expert in the use of this equipment and a radiologist, who is a doctor specialising in medical diagnosis using radiology will perform this examination. 

TIME

The time for this examination varies depending on the area being examined but most scans take 20 minutes. Please allow yourself plenty of time.

FEMALE PATIENTS

If you are pregnant, or think you might be, please notify us prior to your appointment.

HOW TO PREPARE

If your scan is of the abdomen or pelvis you may be asked to drink some liquid prior to your appointment.
Patients undergoing CT Colonoscopy are usually instructed on a bowel clearance regime

Continue to take all usual medications.

You may also be asked to come prior to your appointment to drink liquid in the department.

WHAT TO EXPECT

You may be asked to change into a gown. After you have entered the room you will be positioned on the scanner table. This table will move you so that the part of your body to be investigated is in the middle of the scanner. The scanner does not have a "tunnel" so you will not feel enclosed.

You will either go head first or feet first into the scanner.

The technologist controls the examination from behind a partition beside the scanner. You will be able to talk to her / him at all times.

Each scan will take only a few seconds to complete. The table will move during the scan as the images are obtained. During the scan you will be able to hear the sound of the machine moving around you.

It is very important that you remain still. You may also be asked to hold your breath for a short time. Please listen to the instructions given.

Some scans require the injection of special dye (contrast) into a vein in your arm. You will be informed of this prior to the scan and given some information to read. During the injection you may feel slightly warm and notice a mild metallic taste in your mouth - this is routine and is no cause for concern. Any reactions to the dye are a very rare occurrence and our staff are fully trained to provide the treatment required in the unlikely event of a reaction.

AFTERWARDS

You should feel no after effects. You may resume your normal diet immediately after the examination.

HOW IT WORKS

The CT scanner consists of an X - ray machine and a powerful computer. Unlike standard X - rays, CT has the ability to produce detailed images of soft tissue, bone, blood vessels and air. The digital data can be manipulated to selectively visualise these body parts.

While the scan can be performed in a few minutes, it can take a lot longer to process the data. The multi-slice scanner at St George's Radiology can produce multi-planer and 3 dimensional images as well as conventional cross sectional images.

CT CORONARY ANGIOGRAPHY

CT Coronary Angiography is performed at St Georges Radiology under a joint venture with Heart Vision Ltd, Click here for details of Heart Vision Ltd and Coronary CT Angiography.