Jaime HayDoctors and other healthcare experts have years of experience in their field, although there are still many problems they can’t diagnose by looking at or listening to your body. Certain diseases necessitate a closer look at your tissues, blood vessels, and bones inside the body. X-rays and ultrasounds can offer some information, but Sugar Land CT scan is generally the next step when a more comprehensive view is required.
What is a contrast CT scan?
Your clinician may use a contrast agent in your scan at times. This contrast agent, mainly known as a dye, enhances photographs by emphasizing specific characteristics. Depending on the kind of CT scan and the reason for the scan, your healthcare professional will either have you drink a specific liquid containing the contrast agent or administer an IV injection utilizing the contrast agent, or both. The contrast agent is removed from your body through your urine initially and then slowly over the next 24 hours.
What occurs during a CT scan test?
During your test, you will lie on your back on a table (like a bed). A healthcare professional may administer the contrast dye intravenously (into your vein) if your test requires it. This dye might make you feel flushed or have a metallic taste in the mouth. When your scan starts:
- The bed advances gradually inside the doughnut-shaped scanner. At this stage, you must remain as motionless as possible because movement might result in blurry photographs.
- The scanner photographs the region that the healthcare provider needs to view. A CT scan, unlike an MRI scan, is completely quiet.
- When the exam is over, the table is removed from the scanner.
What happens after your CT scan?
After the CT scan, the pictures are forwarded to a radiologist for review. A radiologist is a clinician who specializes in employing imaging methods such as CT scans and X-rays to diagnose and treat illnesses. Later, your doctor will contact you to discuss the results.
Can you undergo a CT scan while pregnant?
You may be nervous about the hazards of imaging scans while pregnant, but the ACOG says the amounts of radiation in a CT scan are significantly below what would harm a developing fetus. Ultrasounds and MRI scans are normally the first options for pregnant women, but according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), CT scans are harmless and shouldn’t be avoided if medically required. A contrast dye may still be utilized, but its usage should be limited unless it considerably improves the accuracy of a diagnosis.
CT scans effectively identify soft tissue, blood vessel, and other body parts disorders that X-ray or ultrasound imaging can detect. These painless scans need no preparation and may be performed quickly in an emergency. A CT scan test takes less than an hour to complete; however, results may not be available immediately, depending on who interprets the results.
After the photos are analyzed, your doctor will tell you if a contrast dye is required for your scan and what action you should take. Call St. Michael’s Elite Hospital to schedule your consultation online to learn more about the CT scan procedure and whether it is ideal for you.
Hugh Hay
