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  CT Scan  
         
  Back to How to Prepare Back to Our Services  
         
  Prepare for Your Visit:
 
  You will report to MACI located at 8552 Cass Street, Suite 201 . Please arrive at least 10minutes before your scheduled appointment so you can register at the front desk and complete any necessary paperwork. If you have to cancel your appointment call the office at 393-8443 at least 24 hours in advance. Arrangements will be made to reschedule the exam.  
     
  Depending on the type of CT scan your physician has ordered you may be given an intravenous contrast or asked to drink an oral contrast. If your test requires either one or both types of contrast you will be asked to not have anything to eat or drink except for a little water for 4hrs before your exam. If the physician has ordered a test to look at your coronary arteries or heart you will need to abstain from all caffeine and tobacco for 12 hours before the exam. You may take all of your medications that do not need to be taken with food before the exam.  
     
  It is best to come dressed properly for the exam if it is at all possible. That means no metal over the anatomy that the physician has requested to be scanned. If you can not, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown .  
     
  Explanation of Contrast Used:  
  If your physician has ordered a test which requires an oral or intravenous contrast there are few things you should know. What makes it visible by radiation is that they are radio opaque, meaning the radiation can not penetrate it making either your GI tract or blood vessels show up.  
     
  Oral Contrast: This contrast is used to highlight the stomach, small bowel and colon. It is a non-reactive, white, thick barium sulfate which will pass in your stools. Depending on your test you may receive one or two glasses which you are to drink before the scan.  
     
  Intravenous Contrast: This contrast is an iodine solution used to highlight your blood vessels. Depending on your age, you may need a simple lab test to check your renal status before contrast can be used. This lab work must be with in 30 days before your test. The IV can be placed in the bend of your arm (antecubital), forearm, wrist or hand. The intravenous contrast will make you have a warm flush feeling you're your insides out, from your throat to your toes. You may also get a metallic taste in your mouth. These reactions are normal and only last for around 40 seconds and subside.  
     
  What are the Risks:  
  Ct Scans are monitored and regulated to provide the minimum amount of radiation and the 64 slice CT scan generates less radiation then the current CT scans. The exposure is minimal but is needed to produce the images. The risk associated with any individual scan is small; however, the risk increases as numerous additional studies are performed. Because of radiation exposure, a CT scan is not usually recommended during pregnancy.

There are some patients who are allergic to iodine solution; these patients have a wide variety of responses to the iodine solution. Most allergic reactions are limited to hives (itchy bumps on the skin). Extremely infrequently a person will have a serious reaction to the iodine (1 per 40,000 people who have this test). As with the use of any medication, the chance of a fatal reaction does exist. However, most allergic reactions are transient and require no treatment.

If you are allergic to the iodine contrast material (dye) you should be pre-medicated 24 hours prior to your exam. This is a must in any patient with a prior history of anaphylactoid contrast reaction and strongly advised in patients with prior history of “minor” contrast reactions. If this pertains to you, notify your doctor.

 
     
  Is the test painful?  
 

No, CT scans are painless. The primary discomfort may be from the need to still on the table, however, this if for relatively short amount of time. If your test requires intravenous contrast then an IV is needed .

 
     
  After care:  
  After the exam you can resume your normal activities. If you received contrast, increase your normal fluid intake to help flush the contrast from your system. Please call (402)393-8443 and speak with a CT technologist or nurse regarding any issues related to your exam .