In a conventional x-ray, x-ray beams pass through the body and 2 dimensional images are created based on shadows made by body structures in the area being photographed.  The image created depends on the body structure’s absorption of the x-ray.

CT scans also use x-ray beams that rotate around the body,  encircling the patient and capturing anatomical structures.  Each rotation of the x-ray beam produces a single cross-sectional “slice” and a computer then creates an image by stacking the individual slices. Using this technology, physicians can view the inside of anatomic structures which is not possible with conventional x-rays.

Yes, CT is considered a safe exam.  Your physician will weigh the risk of radiation exposure and contrast injections with the diagnostic benefits of this exam.  Patients should inform their physician and the technologist if they have a history of allergies, especially to contrast or x-ray dye, diabetes, asthma, kidney problems or heart failure. Women of child bearing age must inform their physician and the technologist if there is a possibility of pregnancy.

Not everyone needs to have lab work done before a CT exam. We require a lab test called a BUN and Creatinine that was done in the past 30 days if:

• you are 65 years of age or older
• you have diabetes
• you have kidney disease, which includes kidney failure or solitary kidney

The x-ray dye or contrast that is given for certain CT exams is filtered through and excreted by the kidneys.  If your kidneys are not working normally, the contrast could further impair your kidney function.  The blood test values tell us if your kidneys are functioning normally. By drinking extra fluids before and after a CT exam with contrast, your kidneys will be able to flush the dye from your body more easily.

Yes, your physician must give you a referral, or order, for a CT exam.  Be sure to bring the order with you on the day of your CT exam.

In most cases, your physician will have your results within 24 to 48 hours.

Your physician may give you a prescription for the Barium that you can fill at six local CVS locations at no cost to you. 
If you are not given a prescription by your physician, you must arrive two hours before your scheduled exam time to
drink the Barium in the Radiology department, or you can pick up a prescription at the Radiology department at West
Medical Center, Mentor Medical Campus and Tripoint.