Where: |  | You will report to the Radiology registration area on the 1st floor of Cobb Tower, Oconee Regional Medical Center with your doctor’s order. |
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Purpose : | | This test provides a different and more detailed picture of tissue and bone than is possible with a routine x-ray. It produces a cross-sectional image, allowing the technologist and radiologist to visualize internal structures at great detail. The scan itself is painless and very safe. CT exams require different patient preparations depending upon the procedure. Some exams require injections and /or oral contrast. If you are over 40 years of age and your exam requires IV contrast, your doctor should order a BUN and Creatine blood test prior to the exam. If this test has not been ordered when you arrive for your exam the technologist take some blood and send it to the lab. |
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Preparation: | | Patients should not eat or drink anything for four hours prior to the exam if having IV or oral contrast. Check with your doctor to see if this pertains to your exam.
You should not take insulin if you are fasting for your exam. However you should bring your insulin with you so you can take it after the exam. Also, when making your appointment, tell the scheduler if you are diabetic and request an appointment time early in the day.
Medications can be taken prior to your exam. Pills should be taken with only a small amount of water.
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire providing us with some information regarding your medical history. This information helps to structure your exam. If you have any heart, asthma, kidney problems, cancer, sickle cell disease, or if you are or could possibly be pregnant, please let the technologist know before your exam.
If you are a diabetic and take Glucophage (an oral hypoglycemic medication), you may take the medicine before the x-ray examination but cannot resume taking it for at least 48 hours after the study is completed. Also, you must call the doctor who ordered the study to find out when it is safe to resume taking Glucophage. |
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Procedure: | | The procedure can take between 10-30 minutes depending on the exact test performed. It is advised that you wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing without metal parts. If you are scheduled for any head exams, earrings, glasses, hearing aids and dentures must be removed prior to your exam.
If you are scheduled for an abdominal or pelvic CT, you will be asked to arrive 1 hour early to drink 3 cups of oral contrast prior to your scan. An IV line may need to be established so that IV contrast can be given just before imaging begins. The insertion of the IV line may give you some discomfort. The contrast may make you feel warm all through your body. Some patients experience a metallic taste during the injection. These sensations last until the injection is completed.
Patients under the age of 18 years need to be accompanied by an adult (parent or guardian). |
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After Care: | | After the exam you can resume your normal activities. Your doctor will discuss the results of your exam with you.
Please call 478-454-3829 and speak with a CT technologist regarding any issues related to your exam. |
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Reviewed: | | 12/31/2008
Copyright 2008, Oconee Regional Medical Center
821 N. Cobb Street Milledgeville, GA 31061, (478) 454-3505 |