Information for Patients Referred for a CT Scan

 

Our location

1357 Hembree Road Suite 245

Roswell, GA 30076

Phone 770-521-8275

Fax 770-569-8860

www.nfimaging.com

 

PREPARATION Unless you are diabetic, take all medications as normal. Diabetic patients please contact your doctor.

Follow the preparation below:

1. Have nothing to eat or drink (other than water) in the four (4) hours prior to your appointment.

2. Starting one hour before the exam, drink one 8 oz. glass of water every 15 minutes.

3. You will be given an additional glass of water just prior to your scan.

 

THE CT SCAN PROCEDURE

You have been referred to us by your doctor for a CT scan. A CT scan is an examination which uses x-rays to demonstrate the internal structures of the body such as the liver, kidneys, bladder, spleen, and aorta. The CT machine is shaped similar to a very large ring doughnut with the patient lying on a bed within the center of the ring. It is very open and does not touch you. Only the area being examined is within the center of the scanner. You will be required to lie still throughout the process of the scan, usually 10-15 minutes. You may be required to hold your breath for short intervals while the images are being obtained. It may be necessary to use a clear fluid (contrast media) to highlight certain internal structures. This will be injected into a vein in your arm. During the injection you may feel warm and flushed – this is a normal reaction that will last for a minute or so and is not cause for concern.

 

RISKS

There are risks involved with the admission of most medicines and contrast media is no exception. Although contrast media is generally very safe, a small group of people may be sensitive to the Iodine which is in the contrast media and they may have a reaction. This can range from being itchy to sneezing and sometimes a rash may appear. There is a very remote chance (1:100,000) of a severe reaction such as cardiac arrest. It is not possible to predict who will have a reaction but certain people are more at risk, such as asthmatics and people with general allergies. Also, there is a possible risk associated with certain diseases which your referring doctor should have discussed with you. Please be aware that any exposure to xrays may carry a very minimally increased risk of cancer or other diseases. Our modern scanner automatically reduces xray exposure to the minimal amount required to obtain a high quality scan.

 

AFTERWARDS

Normally you should feel no side effects (such as drowsiness) and assuming you feel all right will be able to drive your car. You will be able to resume eating and drinking right away.

 

RESULTS

Please do not ask the Medical Radiology Technologist for a result. They are unable to give a medical opinion of your results. The radiologist (doctor) will study your films and have a report sent to your doctor. Please keep your follow-up appointment with your doctor or consultant for the results of this examination.

 

COPIES

We will be happy to provide you with a copy of your xrays for your personal records, and a copy for you to take back to your referring physician.

 

CT Scan Appointment

Name:

Date:

Time:

Examination:

Please confirm this appointment the week of your appointment by ringing: Phone 770-521-8275 If you are unable to attend this appointment, please phone the above number as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding this procedure, please feel free to contact one of the following:

• North Fulton Imaging

• Your GP or Practice Nurse

• Department that referred you.

 

357 Hembree Road Suite 245 Roswell, GA 30076

Phone 770-521-8275 Fax 770-569-8860