Computerized Tomography (CT Scan)

Computerized Tomography (CT)
CT Procedure Preps

The CT scanner is a doughnut-shaped machine used to view parts of the body that cannot be seen with a regular X-ray. A CT scan uses advanced X-ray technology to take cross-sections of your child’s body, called "slices." Because they produce pictures with great clarity, CT scans are very useful for physicians. Depending upon what body part is to be x-rayed, a colorless liquid (x-ray dye) may need to be injected into your body to help these body parts show up on the x-ray pictures. So, it may be necessary to start an I.V. Sometimes, you may be asked to drink a special x-ray liquid as well as having x-ray dye injected into your body.

Sample video captured from the new GE VCT Lightspeed

HAVING A CT SCAN

A CT Scan is a special kind of x-ray that produces pictures of a cross section of a part of the body. Depending upon what body part is to be x-rayed, a colorless liquid (x-ray dye) may need to be injected into your body to help these body parts show up on the x-ray pictures. So, it may be necessary to start an I.V. Sometimes, you may be asked to drink a special x-ray liquid as well as having x-ray dye injected into your body.

GETTING READY FOR THE TEST

You will have to follow a special patient prep listed below. It is very important for you to follow it closely.

When you arrive at the radiology department, one of the radiographers (the person who will be taking your x-ray) will explain to you and your parents how the exam will be done. You and your parents will need to answer some questions regarding allergies (if any) to medications and/or x-ray dyes. You will then be taken into a room where you will see a large x-ray camera called a scanner over a special table. You may be asked to change into a gown so that things such as buttons and zippers do not show up on your x-ray picture.

THE TEST

If x-ray dye needs to be injected into your body, an IV will be started. An IV is a special needle that will go into a vein that’s in your hand or arm. It is very important that you hold very still while you are having your IV started. Cooperation is important!

The radiographer will help you lie on the table and will ask you to be very still while he or she goes to another part of the room to take your picture. If you are having an exam that will be using x-ray dye, it will be injected into your IV and more pictures will be taken. Sometimes, the dye will give you a metallic taste in your mouth or a feeling of warmth throughout your body. The exam will take a few minutes to complete!

AFTER THE TEST

The radiologist will look at your pictures. He or she will then tell your doctor the things he or she needs to know about your body.

CT SCAN PATIENT PREP

Your patients prep will be given to you when your exam is scheduled.
For most exams, patient will need to be kept NPO (nothing by mouth) for at least 3-4 hours.

QUESTIONS

If you have any questions about the test, please ask your radiographer
or doctor for the answers.

THE THREE MOST COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT A CT SCAN:

1. How long will the exam take?
The exam will generally take thirty minutes.

2. When will I know the results of the exam?
The radiologist will let your doctor know the results of your child’s exam. Your doctor will then discuss the results of the exam with you.

3. Could my child have a reaction form the dye used in the exam?
Contrast reactions in children are rare, yet, there is always a possibility that your child could experience one. Pediatric patients at higher risk are those having asthma, a sensitivity to medication and/or allergen, heart failure, and those less than 12 months of age. Possible reactions are: feeling warm, nausea, vomiting, hives, congestions, difficulty breathing, occasionally apnea (stop breathing), chest pain, and as with many administered medication there is a possibility of a severe reaction which could result in death. Our doctors are trained to prevent these complications. If complications such as these occur, we are well prepared to treat them.

Contact Information

Driscoll Children's Hospital Radiology
3533 South Alameda Street
Corpus Christi, Texas 78411
1-800-DCH-LOVE
(361) 694-5240
To schedule an exam (361) 694-6132