CT Imaging

The Ballinger Memorial Hospital Radiology team provides state-of-the art CT Imaging on site. Our new innovative 32-slice CT scanner has a variety of innovative uses in vascular studies and organs of the body. Results are sent directly to your ordering provider.

CT studies, also known as Computed Tomography, typically take about 15 minutes for the scan. Specially trained radiology technologist assist you during the study.

What is a CT imaging test?

A CT Scanner rotates around your body to take X-Ray images from different angles creating two-dimensional detailed pictures. CT imaging serves a wide range of purposes from diagnosing kidney stones to bone fractures. Some CT exams involve contrast which may be a drink or injection to make the images more informative. At times, contrast may require blood tests before the test to make sure the contrast is safe for you. CT imaging exams require that you lie still in a confined space, however most patients tolerate the experience well due to the scanning time being so short.

What should I expect BEFORE my CT scan?

Medications: It is important for you to keep to your regular medication schedule. Please take all the medications that have been prescribed to you by your doctor. Just let our staff know what medications you have taken prior to your test.

Food and drink: You should not eat solid foods for two hours prior to your test. You may, however, drink plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, clear soups, juice, or black decaffeinated coffee or tea. We encourage you to drink plenty of fluids before your arrival to our center.

When to arrive: If you are having a CT scan of your abdomen or pelvis, you need to arrive one hour before your scheduled appointment. This is to allow time for you to drink barium sulfate before your exam and to ensure that the barium fluid completely coats your gastrointestinal tract. The barium helps to highlight body areas for the CT scan. If you are having a scan other than the abdomen you should arrive at your appointed time.

What to wear: You should dress in comfortable clothing. It might be necessary for you to change into a hospital gown if there is metal in your clothing, such as a bra or zipper, within the area of interest of your study. If you are wearing jewelry or anything else that might interfere with your scan, we will ask you to remove it. The CT scan is conducted in a very secure and private environment. It is best, however, if you leave valuable items at home.

Intravenous preparation: Many patients receive a contrast agent intravenously (IV) during their CT test. If your doctor or the radiologist has determined that this procedure will enhance your CT scan results, the technologist will place an IV in your arm or hand prior to going into the test.

What will I experience DURING my CT scan?

Scanning: Your CT technologist will bring you into the CT scan room where you will lie down on the patient table. The technologist positions your body so that the area you are having scanned is in the middle of the large doughnut-shaped scanner ring which holds the x-ray tube and an electronic detector. The technologist leaves the room, but is in full view and communication with you through the observation window in the adjoining room.The scanner does not touch you, nor do you feel the x-rays. It does make some noise and the table you are lying on may move slightly to make adjustments for a better view. It is important for you to lie very still and at some points, you may be asked to briefly hold your breath as the picture is taken. During the scan, a thin beam of x-ray is focused on a specific part of your body. The x-ray tube moves very rapidly around this area, enabling multiple images to be made from different angles to create a cross-sectional picture. The x-ray beam information goes to the electronic detector and then into a computer, which analyzes the information and constructs an image for the radiologist to interpret.

Length of scan: Each CT scan is individualized and tailored to each patient's needs. In general, most examinations last approximately 15 minutes in total.
Contrast medium:A contrast medium, or contrast agent, highlights your organs and blood vessels and helps the radiologist see them better. The contrast agents in use today carry a low risk of allergic reaction and cause little discomfort for most people. If you are over 60 or have kidney disease, diabetes, lupus, or multiple myeloma, you’ll need a blood test beforehand to make sure the contrast will be safe for you.

What should I expect AFTER my CT scan?

Instructions: You have no restrictions after having a CT scan and can go about your normal activities. To help eliminate the contrast medium from your body, drink plenty of decaffeinated or non-alcoholic beverages. Water and juices also work well.

Exam results: All CT scans are read by a radiologist specialty trained in CT imaging and dedicated to the specific area of interest for your study. Prompt results are essential not only for your peace-of-mind, but also for your physician to begin planning your treatment immediately, if necessary. After the scan has been read the results are sent to your physician, who will discuss them with you.