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CT SCANNING (COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY)
Carolinas HealthCare System provides CT scanning at hospitals and imaging centers. Like our other imaging
services, we have established a standard service throughout our system to enable the convenience
for our patients with the same high quality standards. The scanning technology at every facility is the
same. At each hospital facility in Mecklenburg County we have the latest CT Scanner available today - the
Somatom 64. This technology offers the most detailed imaging possible and does so in a very short period of time.
Carolinas Medical Center (CMC), considered the flagship for Carolinas HealthCare System, offers some
highly advanced procedures in CT that may require technical and physician expertise only available
at CMC. This is also the case with other advanced technologies like PET/CT.
Hospital locations with CT Scanning:
Hospital locations with CT Scanning:
Non-hospital locations with CT Scanning:
- Morehead Imaging Center
- Eastover Diagnostic Imaging Center
- Northcross Imaging Center
- Medical Center Plaza Imaging Center (adjacent to CMC)
Locations that provide sedation or anesthesia:
For pediatric patients or adults with claustrophobia (requires nursing, physician observation or anesthesia):
What is CT Scanning?
CT Scanning uses a specialized X-ray machine, producing pictures that look like slices. CT scanners are capable of making pictures of any part of your body or head. Your doctor may schedule a CT scan for you so that he or she can better understand your particular medical problem.
Most patients find a CT scan to be a relatively simple test. Patients lie on a table that moves in and out of an opening, called a gantry, in the CT scanner. Patients who have abdominal CT scans are asked to hold their breath for each scan (usually 10 to 15 seconds). Patients who have CT scans of their head will not need to hold their breath, but they will be asked to remain very still for the duration of the scan (usually 2 to 5 minutes).
Because metal zippers, snaps, and buttons interfere with the CT scan, you will be asked to remove these items before your CT scan. If you wish, you may wear a sweat suit without any metal parts, so that you do not have to change into a hospital gown.
How do I prepare for the exam?
All patients who have CT scans of their abdomen and/or their pelvis are required to drink four to six cups of oral contrast before their CT examination. The oral contrast is a mixture of fruit juice and an iodine-containing liquid called gastrografin. Oral contrast is used to help the radiologist see your stomach and intestines and distinguish these organs from any abnormalities that may be present. Patients are required to prepare for the exam by fasting (no food or drink) for a period of four hours prior to the CT scan.
When should I drink the oral contrast?
Upon arrival in the CT waiting area, patients will be informed to begin drinking the oral contrast 90 minutes before the CT appointment. Patients should try to drink the oral contrast over a 30-minute period.
What is IV contrast?
IV contrast (sometimes called X-ray dye) is a clear fluid that contains iodine. IV contrast is injected into the veins to highlight the tissues of the body or brain. Most, but not all, patients who have CT scans have IV contrast injected into a vein during their CT examination. If you are allergic to IV contrast or iodine, please inform your doctor as soon as possible. Patients who are more than 70 years old, who have kidney problems, or who have ever had chemotherapy will need to have a simple blood test before IV contrast can be administered. If you are more than 70 years old, have kidney problems, or ever have had chemotherapy, please inform your doctor so that this blood test can be performed before your CT appointment. CT section will accept lab results obtained from your doctor's office in your hometown as long as they are obtained within 30 days of your CT appointment. If you elect to have your blood drawn and analyzed in your hometown, please be sure that the results include an evaluation of your kidney function.
What if I'm pregnant?
As with any X-ray procedure, if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant please consult your physician to determine if the CT scan can be postponed until after the birth of your child. If you are pregnant and you must have a CT examination, please inform the technologist so that steps can be taken to protect your unborn child.
When should I take my medicine?
You should always take your prescription medicine on schedule before and after your CT scan.
How do I obtain the results of the exam?
Your physician should provide you with the results of the exam. The radiologist interprets the CT scans the same day it is performed. Some cases may require comparison to other exams that may result in a slight delay. We provide results directly to your physician(s) as soon as the accuracy of your report is verified by the radiologist.
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