Medical
Imaging - Computed
Tomography (CT or "CAT" Scan)
Information for patients
The computed tomography division of the department of radiology
uses CT scans to take pictures inside the body and perform
image-guided procedures. All CT scans are interpreted by
fellowship-trained, board-certified radiologists who specialize
in this field.
•
Frequently asked questions
•
Biopsy and radiofrequency ablation procedures
Frequently
Asked Questions
• What does a CT scanner look like?
The CT scanner looks like a large doughnut with a narrow table.
The patient lies on the table, which moves through the center
of the machine. The technologist is in the next room and observes
the patient through a large window.
• Do
I have to do anything special before
having a CT scan?
Some scans (abdomen and pelvis) require the patient to drink
about a quart of liquid prior to the scan. For certain exams,
x-ray contrast also may be injected into a vein during the scan.
If you are scheduled to have a test with intravenous contrast,
you should not eat for four hours before the exam. You should
however take all your medications with a sip of water at the
regular time.
• How
long does a CT scan take?
The entire procedure takes 15 to 45 minutes, depending on
what part of the body is being scanned.
• Will
it hurt?
No. The scanner uses x-rays to see inside your body.
• When
may I eat after the test?
As soon as the exam is over.
• How
will I get the results of the CT scan?
After the scan is finished, one of our board-certified radiologists
will interpret the study and send a report to your doctor
within 24 hours.
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Biopsy Procedures
Computed Tomography is sometimes used to help perform a procedure,
such as a biopsy or radiofrequency ablation.
• What
is a CT guided procedure?
A CT guided procedure may consist of a biopsy, in which a
small sample of tissue from inside your body is obtained
using the
CT machine for guidance. This technique will often save you
from having to have an operation to get the same piece
of tissue.
A radiofrequency ablation is a separate procedure, which
is performed to treat a tumor.
• Why
is this being done?
A biopsy is performed because a previous radiology test showed
an abnormality. It is not clear what the abnormal tissue is,
and a small sample of tissue is required to find out.
• Does
it hurt?
We use local anesthesia (like Novocaine at the dentist) for
all biopsies. In certain situations we will administer sedation
to make you sleepy during the test. You will not be completely
asleep for this test.
• How
long does a CT procedure take?
The actual procedure is approximately one hour. Qualified nurses
will observe you in our recovery area for approximately three
hours after the procedure.
• How
will I get the results of the biopsy?
The specimen obtained from the procedure will be delivered
to pathology where specialized doctors will look at the tissue
under a microscope. They will send the results to your doctor
in approximately three to five days.
For
more information about general radiology at Columbia Memorial
Hospital, call 518.828.8228
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