CT Head or Neck
30 to 45 mintues

Many CAT scans of the head or neck require intravenous injection of contrast material given during the scan. Before the exam, you will be asked questions regarding your medical/allergy history. This information helps determine whether risk factors are present which affect the use of intravenous contrast. You will be informed prior to the start of the exam if an injection is necessary. At our facility, only Radiologist or Credentialed Technologists perform the venipuncture for this procedure. You will be asked to lie on your back and remain reasonably still for the exam. Pillows may be used to aid in your comfort

If you have concerns about your ability to tolerate this exam, please discuss this with the technologist prior to the start of the exam. These may be steps we can take to minimize your discomfort.

Preparation:
Please do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your exam time. If you are a diabetic currently taking Glucophage or Metformin, you must contact your physician prior to scheduling this exam. The manufacturer recommends this drug be withheld the morning before, or at the time of procedure. Glucophage or Metformin should then be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure. Once kidney function is found to be normal, Glucophage theraphy can be started again. Kidney function can be determined by a simple blood test. Please contact your physician in regard to obtaining this test.

Wear comfortable clothing, with as few metal snaps or fasteners as possible, such as sweats. Check-in 15 minutes prior to your appointment time at the Imaging Reception Desk. Bring pertinent x-rays or other studies.

CT Abdomen/Pelvis
30 minutes

Most CT scans of the body require intravenous injection of contrast material during the exam. Before the exam, you will be asked questions regarding your medical/allergy history. This information will help determine whether risk factors are present which affect the use of intravenous contast. You will be asked to lie on your back on the CT exam table. At various times you will be asekd to hold your breath for up to 30 seconds as the table moves through the x-ray field.

Preparation:
Please do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your exam time. You will be required to drink a bottle of oral contrast 1 hour before your exam. If your doctor gave you the oral contrast please start drinking it 1.5 hours before your exam time. If you need the oral contrast you may pick it up any time prior to your CT appointment or check in for your appointment 1.5 hours early. If you are a diabetic currently taking Glucophage or Metformin, you must contact your physician prior to scheduling this exam. The manufacturer recommends this drug be withheld the morning before, or at the time of the procedure. Glucophage or Metformin should then be withheld for 48 hours after the procedure. Once kidney function is found to be normal, Glucophage theraphy can be started again. Kidney function can be determined by a simple blood test. Please contact your physician in regard to obtaining this test. If you are currently taking prescription medication, please inform the receptionist at the time you schedule this exam.

CT Upper/Lower Extremity
30 minutes

You will be asked to lie on your back or stomach and remain reasonably still for the exam. A pillow may be used to aid in your comfort. If you have any concerns about your ability to tolerate the exam, please discuss this with the technologist prior to the start of the exam. There may be steps we can take to minimize your discomfort.

Preparation:
Wear comfortable clothing, with as few metal snaps or fasteners as possible, such as sweats. Check in 15 minutes prior to your appointment time at the Imaging Reception Desk. Bring pertinent x-rays or CAT scans.

CT Scan Sinuses, Orbits, Mastoids or Inner Ear
15 mintues

You will be asked to lay on your stomach with your head tipped back and chin extended. This gives your physician the best view or the complex structures of the head. If you have concerns about your ability to tolerate this position, please discuss this with the technologist prior to the start of the exam. There may be steps we can take to lower the duration of the exam.

Preparation:
Wear comfortable clothing. Remove earrings and necklaces. Check-in 15 minutes prior to your appointment time at the Imaging Reception Desk. Bring Pertinent x-rays or CAT scans.

Cervical, Thoracic or Lumbar Spine
20-40 minutes

You will be asked to lie on your back and remain reasonably still for the exam. Pillows may be placed beneath your knees to aid in your comfort. If you have any concerns about your ability to tolerate the exam, please discuss this with the technologist prior to the start of the exam. There may be steps we can take to minimize your discomfort