CT Scan & X-rays
What Is a CT Scan?
 CT Scan sometimes called CAT scanning is a painless and a non-invasive medical test that helps physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions. CT uses a very thin special X-ray beam to produce detailed, cross sectional views of the area being studied. The images can be examined on a computer or printed. CT is often the preferred method of diagnosing causes of pain and many different forms of cancer. CT of the internal organs, bone, blood vessels and soft tissue provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
You will be lying flat on a table usually on your back, stomach or on your side.
The table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed. You may be asked to hold your breath during the exam. The CT exam is usually completed within 30 minutes.
How To Prepare For a CT?
You should wear loose-fitting comfortable clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown during the procedure. You may also be asked to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins which effect the CT images.
Do not drink or eat anything for several hours beforehand, especially if contrast material will be used in your exam. Inform your physician if you are taking medications and if you have any allergies.
X-Ray - Fluroscopy
What is an X-Ray?
An x-ray is a medical test that physicians use to diagnosis and treat their patient's medical conditions. It is the oldest and most commonly used form of medical testing. An X - ray is a painless and quick test for the patient to endure. It involves exposing the part of the body that is being examined to a small dose of ionizing radiation to produce pictures of the inside of the body.
X -ray is also used to diagnose various conditions of the lungs including pneumonia, tumors and changes of heart failure. It also is used to diagnose fractures and other abnormalities of bones, joint conditions, and causes of abdominal pain.
Fluoroscopy involves using X-rays to take "live" images of the body. It is typically used to examine the gastrointestinal tract such as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine and colon.
How To Prepare for an X-Ray?
- You may be asked to wear a gown during the procedure.
- Wear clothing that is comfortable and easy to change.
- Please remove any jewelry, eyeglasses or any metal objects that are covering the area to be examined.
- You may be asked not to eat or drink for several hours prior to your procedure. We will give you instructions when you make your appointment.
X-rays cannot be performed during pregnancy because of the potential harms to the fetus. Women should always notify the radiology technician of any possibility of pregnancy.
How Does X-Ray Work?
X-rays are a type of radiation just like radio waves and light. The X- ray machine is positioned toward the part of the body being imaged. It then produces a small amount of radiation that passes through the body and captures an image on film or a special image recording plate.
|
