What is a CT Scan?
Computed Tomography (CT) uses x-rays to create incredibly detailed images of the body. The images are obtained as ‘slices’ which can be digitally reconstructed to show almost any angle and even a rotating 3D image.
A CT scanner looks like a donut (the technical word for it is a gantry), with a flat table passing through the middle. Patients lie on the table and move through the opening in the gantry.
The gantry is not a long narrow tunnel – it is quite wide and short. It is unusual for patients to feel claustrophobic during a CT.
Dr Glenn and Partners has dose modulation software on its state-of-the-art CT scanner to ensure the radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.
Do I need an appointment?
Yes, appointments are essential as some CTs need preparations.
What should patients expect when arriving for an appointment?
Patients will be asked to fill in a questionnaire upon arrival.
Patients may need to change into a gown to avoid clothes causing confusing shadows on the images. Patients will be asked to lie on the table and the radiographer will position them for their scan. The radiographer will then move into the next room at the control console, they can talk and listen to you via a microphone and can see the whole procedure through a window.
Patients may need an injection of a special dye (called contrast), usually into the vein on the inside of the elbow or on the back of the hand. The contrast helps vessels and internal organs to be better visualised on the scan. As with any medication or injection, there is a small chance of an allergic reaction to the contrast but the radiographer performing the examination will go through this with patients before the scan. Please tell the staff if you have had any form of reaction to the contrast before. The contrast is usually excreted by the body within an hour of injection.
How long does it take?
The acquisition of the scan usually takes only a matter of seconds for which patients may be asked to hold their breath. However, the examination can take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete – this includes the radiographer explaining what is going to happen, positioning patients on the table, and setting up for the contrast injection.
How much does it cost?
Dr Glenn and Partners offer bulk billing and concessions for most of its services. The cost of the examination depends on several factors which will be clarified when making a booking or arriving at the practice.
Is there any special preparation?
Patients will be notified of any special preparation at the time of booking, as some of the examinations will require fasting for four hours prior to the appointment.
CT Abdomen &/or Pelvis patients will need to drink clear fluids for four hours prior to examination including 500mls in the hour before your appointment time.
In some cases, patients will be asked to attend their appointment one hour early to drink a special fluid to outline your stomach and bowel.
If your examination require contrast you will also need a blood test before your appointment to check your renal function.
What to bring:
• Referral from your doctor.
• Previous films and/or reports. If you have had a previous examination in our practice, these can be electronically retrieved, and you do not need to bring them with you.
• Method of payment including Medicare, Health or Pension Card.
• For WorkCover claims, you will need the claim number, claim officer’s name and phone number, and any other relevant details.
