To avoid anxiety and ensure a successful diagnostic process, preparing for a CT scan is essential. Follow the instructions of your medical provider, wear loose-fitting clothing, and leave metal objects at home. Make sure you inform your provider of all of your health-related information. Before your CT scan, you should remove your earrings and jewelry. Avoid wearing any types of jewelry, such as watches. In addition, you should avoid taking any medications that could interfere with the CT scan.
Your radiologist will operate the CT scanner in a separate room and listen to your breathing through an intercom. You will need to remain still and breathe normally during the scan, which helps avoid blurring the images. Before the procedure, your physician will provide you with complete instructions. Some CT exams require that you take an oral dye. If you have this allergy, you must arrive at least 90 minutes before the scheduled exam. The CT scan itself can last anywhere from five to thirty minutes.
You should bring comfortable clothing and wear a hospital gown. You should also remove any metal objects such as rings and bracelets. In addition to wearing comfortable clothing and jewelry, you should remove any metal objects that may be in the way. Your physician will also provide you with a prescription of contrast material. The contrast agent is given orally or intravenously. A mild sedative may help you relax before the exam.
The process begins by preparing the patient by ensuring that they are in the proper position for the test. Often, the technologist will have you lie on a long, narrow table, which slides in and out of the rotating CT scanner. You must hold still as possible during the procedure, as moving can cause images to be blurred. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath for 30 seconds at a time. Once the test is complete, you can go home and resume your regular activities.
Before undergoing a CT scan, you should remove all metal and electronic objects from your body. If you are claustrophobic, you may wish to bring your favorite music device to the CT scanner. The risks of CT scans are comparable to those of conventional X-rays. Patients with pacemakers should discuss the risks of undergoing a CT scan with their physician. However, if you are pregnant, your doctor may suggest a different type of exam that does not involve radiation.
CT scans do not hurt. Some people have trouble staying still and may experience minor discomfort during the procedure. A slight burning sensation is felt when contrast dye enters their vein. Others may experience a metallic taste in their mouth. This reaction lasts for less than a minute. The scan can also be used to diagnose many diseases at an early stage. In addition to evaluating the body, a CT scan can also help determine if there are any tumors or fluid filled growths.
