Download a copy of the procedure guide here

PATIENT GUIDE
Computed Tomography
C.T. Scan
What is a C.T. (CAT) scan?

A C.T. scan is a medical test done by an x-ray
technologist. A C.T. scan can help your doctors diagnose
and treat medical conditions.

C.T. imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce
multiple images that show your internal organs, bone,
soft tissue, and blood vessels in better detail than regular
x-rays.
How do I get ready for my C.T. scan?

You may be asked to take off your hearing aids,
dentures, jewelry or hairpins depending on what body
part is being scanned.

Do not eat or drink anything for 2 hours before the
scan, in case x-ray dye is required.

You must tell your doctor all of the medications you are
taking, if you have any allergies, or if you are diabetic.

There is a very small risk of an allergic reaction to the xray dye.

If you are taking metformin for your diabetes; you can
only book your appointment on Monday, Tuesday, or
Wednesday.

Please arrive 20 minutes before your appointment to
check in at the Diagnostic Imaging Department, except
if you are having an abdominal and/or pelvic C.T. scan.
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
If you are having an abdominal and/or pelvic C.T. scan,
you may have to drink a contrast agent (Gastrografin)
the night before the scan, and again one hour before the
scan, and a third dose just before the scan. Arrive 45
minutes before your appointment at the Diagnostic
Imaging Department (X-Ray).

You must pick up the preparation (Gastrografin) a few
days before your appointment at the Yarmouth, Digby or
Shelburne Hospital in the Diagnostic Imaging
Department (no earlier than 7—10 days before).

Patients can pick up Gastrografin from the Digby
Hospital between 2-3 pm in order to avoid a long wait.

You must tell your doctor and technologist if you think
you may be pregnant because pregnant women should
not have the procedure.
What can I expect during my C.T. scan?

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

You will be lying down on a table, which will move
in and out of the C.T. scanner (a large doughnut shaped
machine).

You may be asked by the technologist to hold your
breath during parts of the scan.

If x-ray dye is needed for your scan, an I.V.
(intravenous) line will be put into your arm by the
technologist, for the injection of the dye.
(Continued on page 4)
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The x-ray dye lets the radiologist (x-ray physician)
see your organs better. It is important that you drink
a lot of fluid after your scan to flush the x-ray dye
out of your system.

When the x-ray dye is inserted you may get a
metallic taste in your mouth, feel warm throughout
your body, and feel as though you are wetting
yourself; this is a normal feeling and will only last a
short time.
How long will my C.T. scan take?

The scan will take 10-30 minutes depending on the
area being scanned.
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The technologists are unable to give test results. Your doctor
will receive a copy of the report within approximately 1 week.
If you have any questions, concerns or if you are unable to keep
your appointment, please do not hesitate to call the booking
office at 742-2571 or toll free 1-877-742-2571.
http://www.mrci.bz/images/ct-scan_Large.jpg
Diagnostic Imaging Department
Yarmouth Regional Hospital
60 Vancouver Street
Yarmouth, NS
B5A 2P5
Patient Guides available on
http://www.swndha.nshealth.ca/pages/guides.htm
SWH promotes a smoke free and scent free environment.
No scent is good sense
Prepared by – Diagnostic Imaging Department, SWH. Revised July 2014
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