A CT scan uses computer processing and radiation to visualize nearly all parts of the body to diagnose and monitor disease, identify injury, and provide surgical guidance.
What to Expect
Before your CT scan, you may need to remove any metal objects, like jewelry, eyeglasses, or dentures, that could interfere with the clarity of the images. Ask your doctor about any preparation or other questions you might have before your imaging test.
Some CT scans require a special dye called contrast material to help highlight the blood vessels and internal structures of the body. You may receive contrast material by mouth (for esophagus or stomach imaging), by injection (for gallbladder, urinary tract, or liver imaging), or by enema (for intestinal imaging). It can take up to an hour for contrast material to distribute throughout the body before your imaging test can begin.
During the test, you lie down on a padded table that slides into a donut-shaped machine, which is open on both sides. A technologist in a separate room will be able to see and hear you at all times. You may be asked to hold your breath for a brief period at certain times to avoid any possible blurring of the images. A CT scan can take anywhere from five minutes to 30 minutes or longer depending on the part of the body that is being tested and the number of images that are needed.
Once the CT exam is completed, the images are reviewed by a board-certified radiologist, and the radiologist will send your doctor a report. Your doctor will notify you with the results. To communicate easily and securely with your WVU Medicine provider, sign up for our free patient portal, MyWVUChart.