 Computed
tomography (CT) is also known as Computed Axial Tomography
(CAT). The CT machine resembles a large doughnut with
a sliding table that moves slightly during the exam. The
CT exam is a painless procedure and the technology is a sophisticated
x-ray procedure. The CT technology uses an advanced computer
to compile multiple images of cross-sectional pictures (slices)
taken during the scan of the area of the interest. By
using this technology to generate images of tissue, bone
and blood vessels our specialized Radiologists can visualize
and interpret any visual abnormalities present.
CT scanning has the ability to image and compile a combination
of soft tissue, bone, organ and blood vessels to detect medical
problems. It is an invaluable tool for staging and
detecting cancer. Other applications include diagnosis and
treatment of heart disease, stroke, evaluation of vascular
diseases and assessment of traumatic injuries.
KMC is a dedicated stroke center offering early detection
and treatment of stroke in the region. The CT department
is staffed by our specially trained and certified CT technologist
that provides care 24 hours a day seven days a week. The
KMC CT Department is fully accredited by the American College
of Radiology (ACR) to provide CT imaging services.
The patient is instructed by the scheduling counselor not
to eat or drink several hours prior to the test.
The
CT technologist informs the patient about the exam and gives
instructions about the procedure. The patient
is asked a few questions about their medical history and
whether they have any allergies to food or medications?
The
patient is then placed on the CT table and the exam is performed.
Depending
on the ordered exam the patient may be required to drink
oral contrast 2 hours prior to their exam. The
oral contrast allows the area of interest to better visualize
the underlying medical problems for the interpreting Radiologist.
The
requested exam may also require an intravenous injection
of contrast material which is administered by the Radiology
nurse (RN) during the scanning process. The IV injection
can enhance and delineate the area of the study for the Radiologist.
Depending on the exam once the patient is placed on the table
the exam can take from fifteen minutes to a half an hour
to complete.
Depending on the exam and what you’re ordering physician
requested, the patient may be instructed to drink oral contrast
approximately 2 hours prior to the exam. Using oral
contrast the interpreting Radiologist will be able to determine
the underlying medical problem.
Intravenous contrast is used to highlight blood vessels
and to enhance the structure of organs like the vessels of
the brain, neck, heart, aorta, kidney, liver, spleen and
pancreas. The contrast is contained in a special injector
which is administered by our certified and highly qualified
Radiology nurses. During the procedure the CT technologists
will be constant contact with you during your exam.
Your CT images will be analyzed by a radiologist, a physician
who specializes in CT testing. The radiologist will send
a signed report which includes an interpretation of the
image to your primary physician. Your physician will receive
your results soon after. At KMC we also offer our patients
a free copy of their exam on CD to share with their physicians.
Our board certified Radiologists are specially trained to diagnose
and interpret the images. At KMC the CT technologists
are specially trained in the theory and practice of CT procedures
and operate the equipment used during the procedure. The
technologists are board certified (ARRT, CT) and the KMC is
fully accredited by the American College of Radiology.
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