Take a good look inside your body.
What exactly is Computed Tomography?
Your doctor has referred you for a Computed tomography examination. Now you naturally want to know what to expect. First of all, let´s make one thing very clear: Computed Tomography (CT for short) is one of the safest and most reliable examination methods available today. It is fast, uncomplicated and completely painless. CT works with an X-ray system that rotates around you, taking cross section pictures of your body.
These pictures are then converted by a computer into so-called conclusive pictures. That is to say, CT builds up images of internal body structures and organs by scanning a series of slices which are later assembled with a computer to form a complete picture. So with CT, the inside of your body can be very dependably and precisely portrayed and then examined.
What happens after the examination?
The radiologist will use the pictures obtained during the CT scan for diagnosis and will forward the results to your referring physician.
During the examination, you will be attended by an experienced CT team with whom you remain in constant visual and voice contact. Just lie down quietly and relax on the examination table and follow the instructions of the CT team. That´s all you have to do. The examination lasts from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on what body area is being examined.
The actual X-Ray, however, takes only a few seconds. Since, as seen in the illustrations the scanning unit is slim and the opening quite wide, you will not feel confined in any way.
Why is contrast media sometimes used?
For certain examinations contrast media might be needed to show certain vessels clear and precisely. Contrast media is generally well tolerated. You may feel a heat sensation that quickly passes. In extremely rare cases, you may experience momentary nausea, itching or skin rashes. Please consult your physician beforehand concerning any existing allergies, and let the CT team know if you feel ill during the examination.
How can you help?
For optimum results, your cooperation is required. Please talk to your physician, who will give you detailed information about how to prepare for the examination.
A few general tips:
Please lay still throughout the examination. For examinations with contrast media, drink sufficient quantities of liquid one to two hours before and after the examination. For examinations of the neck area, please avoid swallowing. In head and neck examinations, please remove all jewelry, hairclips, eyeglasses, hearing aids and dentures. For abdominal examinations, avoid eating heavy meals or foods which cause flatulence. For abdominal and chest examinations, kindly follow the instructions (for instance, to hold your breath for about 15 to 20 seconds so that pictures will be in sharp focus). If you have pictures of previous examinations, please bring them with you. Please lie still throughout the examination.