General CT Scan

Duration of examination

CT examination times are normally between 5 and 20 minutes. This varies according to the type and reason for your examination.

Please bring with you:

• Your request form
• Medicare and any
• Healthcare cards

Payment on the day of the examination is requested.

What is a CT scan?

Computed tomography (CT) uses x‑rays in a similar way to a normal x‑ray. However, CT uses sophisticated computer software to produce detailed cross-sectional images of any part of your body. ​“Tomography” refers to the technique for making detailed cross-sectional images. Most CT examinations are simple, fast and painless procedures.

What preparation is required?

This will be advised at the time of booking. Generally, the following preparations apply:

Head, neck and chest scans: Nothing to eat for two hours prior to your appointment time. You may drink a small amount of water.

Abdomen and pelvis scans: Nothing to eat for two hours prior to your appointment time. You may drink a small amount of water.

On arrival you may be given a dilute barium drink which is used to identify your bowel on the images. You will normally be asked to drink the barium solution over a 45 – 60 minute period before you are taken into the examination room. The timing of your appointment will be made accordingly.

Renal scans: It is desirable to have a full bladder for this scan. Please do not empty your bladder within the one hour prior to your appointment.

Diabetic patients should discuss their medications when making their appointment.

What will happen during the examination?

You may be asked to change into a gown and/​or remove jewellery.

You will lie on a table which is slowly moved into the open area of the doughnut shaped CT unit. Most patients will not have problems with claustrophobia. Housed within the CT is an x‑ray tube which rotates around the patient. Detectors capture the x‑rays passing through the examined area for the computer to interpret into images.

You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan. The scans are so quick that large areas of the body can be imaged in a single breath hold.

Some CT examinations require an injection of iodinated contrast medium into an arm vein, to allow imaging of the blood vessels and vascular tissues. If required, this will be discussed prior to the injection, and you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and provide consent. If an injection is given you will be monitored for 15 minutes after the injection. Please inform us if you are taking any diabetic medication, have kidney disease or have had a previous reaction to x‑ray contrast.

Are there any risks?

You will receive a small dose of x‑ray radiation. The benefits of detecting disease are believed to outweigh any potential risks from receiving such a small dose. However, please advise the radiographer if you are, or think you may be pregnant.

After the examination

The images will be reviewed and reported by our radiologist. These will then be sent to your referring clinician. For details on reporting timeframes, please speak with our reception staff. It is important that you follow up the results of your examination with your referring clinician.

It is important you understand why and how we will be assisting you. If you have any questions, please call one of our clinics or speak to our staff on the day of your visit.