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For information on radiation safety, click here.
 | CT (computed tomography), sometimes called a CAT scan, is a safe, technologically advanced medical imaging procedure that provides valuable information about certain medical conditions.
CT exams of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams.
CT uses x-ray equipment to obtain images from different angles and joins them together in cross-sectional views. This information is digitally processed, stored and displayed on a specialized computer system. The digital images and data are then studied and analyzed by a subspecialty board-certified radiologist, a doctor who has extensive training and expertise in medical imaging. |
Other CT Exams and Procedures Before Making Your Appointment
Let the scheduler know about any of the following: - Allergies
- Asthma
- Kidney problems
- Diabetes
- Pregnancy – known or possible
- Previous reactions to iodinated contrast (IVP or CT dye). Patients with a known contrast allergy will be referred to a CT technologist, who will then talk with a radiologist to determine if pre-medication is needed before your exam. If needed, you can pick up pre-medication at any Suburban Imaging location or ask your healthcare provider for a prescription.
- Recent chemotherapy (within 30 days)
Patient Preparation
You must have with you: - Previous x-rays
- Your appointment form
- Insurance information, including your insurance card
For a head CT: - Do not eat or drink anything three hours before the exam.
For an abdomen, chest or pelvic CT: - Do not eat or drink anything three hours before the exam. You may be asked to drink an oral contrast agent at one to two hours before the exam, which helps to visualize the stomach and intestines.
For a lumbar and cervical spine CT: - You have no restrictions for eating or drinking.
For all CT exams, continue to take any medication prescribed by your healthcare provider, unless you have been given other instructions.
If your exam requires oral contrast, please follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Patient Experience
You will be asked to lie on a cushioned, moveable table, and positioned comfortably with pillows to maintain the proper position for the exam. The table will move slowly through the machine for the CT exam.
You will hear slight buzzing, clicking and whirling sounds as the machine captures the images. For the best quality images, you need to be as still as possible during the exam. You may be asked to hold your breath for approximately 20 seconds while the images are acquired.
The imaging technologist will be outside of the room and is immediately available at all times. You will be in full view of the technologist by means of a window. Though the scanning time takes between 5-10 minutes to complete, the entire exam will take 20-30 minutes.
Depending on the type of information requested by your healthcare provider, contrast material may be used. The contrast material is injected through an intravenous line (IV). Additionally, you may be required to drink oral contrast prior to your exam.
After Your Exam
You may resume regular activities immediately after the exam. If you received IV contrast material, you will be observed for a short period of time.
Your images will be interpreted by a board-certified radiologist specializing in musculoskeletal imaging, body imaging or neuroradiology depending on the type of exam performed. The findings will be sent to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider will contact you to discuss the results.
CT is available at: Blaine, Coon Rapids, Maple Grove, Southdale and Burnsville
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