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 Report
to Diagnostic Imaging - X-Ray Department
Please bring your Health Card to your appointment.
Computerized Tomography is often called a CAT Scan or C.T. Scan. It is a type
of x-ray, which is connected to a computer and takes pictures of the area of
the body being studied. This special camera takes pictures of the inside of
your body in many layers. Each of these pictures is like one slice out of a
loaf of bread, and by taking many of these pictures, a full view of your body
can be seen. This study is done at in the Diagnostic Imaging Department (X-Ray
Dept.)
Unless you are having a scan of your spine (backbone) or extremities (arms
and legs) you should have nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours before the scheduled
time. Quite often a patient will be given a contrast, or x-ray “dye”,
for the CT scan. This shows up on the pictures and makes it easier to see different
parts of your body more clearly. A contrast may be given in juice or water to
drink or may be injected into a vein. [Injection and drink are entirely different
contrast materials. Sometimes patients get both but each serves a different
purpose. The drink outlines the Gastrointestinal tract. The intravenous injection
goes into the blood stream and makes some things show up more clearly. Sometimes
people notice a metallic taste in their mouths after they have had the contrast.
Please let the technologist know of any allergies/medical conditions
that your child may have (especially shellfish/iodine) before the injection.?
Your Mom or Dad will be asked to sign a consent form.
The CT scanner is like a “space machine”. It is white in color
and has a square shape with a large circle cut out of it. There is a special
bed to lie on which slides into the circle. Your Mom or Dad can stay in the
scanning room with you, and you will be able to talk with the CT technologist
at all times through speakers in the scanning machine. In the circle is a camera,
which appears as a red light. When the pictures are being taken, the light will
spin around within the circle. It is important that you lay very still while
this is happening, so that the camera can take the best pictures of you that
it can. Sometimes you will be asked to take a deep breath and hold it during
the scan to help you keep still. You might even be sleeping when you have your
CT scan. The scan usually takes 5 to 15 minutes to perform.
- After the scan is finished you may eat and drink.
- If you were sleeping for the CT scan you should rest for a little while because your body will probably still be sleepy!
- If your physician gives you any papers, x-rays, ultra sounds, or MRI films
please bring them with you. These are necessary for the proper interpretation
of the scan.
- If your child is upset, you will be allowed in the scanner room to help your
child remain calm and safe.
- It is necessary for the patient to remain perfectly still during the study,
and because of this, it may be necessary for a young child to be sedated. In
this case, it is important for you to be aware of the side effects of the sedative
that you will need to watch for.
- The waiting room is unsupervised so please do not leave your children unattended.
It is recommended that you bring along a toy to occupy your child during the
wait.
Please take the time to talk with your child about their experience in the hospital.
Most children learn to fear these situations due to things that they see and
hear. If you approach things with a positive attitude, more than likely, your
child will as well. Perception is everything!
The above information has been designed for you to read with your child. If
you have any questions or concerns, please contact the CT Scanning Department
at (807) 684-6300.
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