Download Procedure:Abdominal/Pelvic Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

Procedure: Abdominal/Pelvic Computed
Tomography (CT) Scan
Patient Name:_______________________________
Date of Appointment:_________________________
Time of Appointment:_________________________
The Aroostook Medical Center would like you to have the best possible experience while you are in our care.
Therefore, we have compiled information for you regarding your procedure. The following information has been
provided in order to best serve you by making this process as effortless as possible. If you need further
information or if there is anything we can do for you, please call 768-4216 or 768-4294.
Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. (walk-ins). Inpatient and emergency services are available 24 hours a day, seven
days a week, 365 days a year.
Please enter at the Main Entrance and stop at the Guest Relations desk to
be registered. A Guest Relations representative can assist you in finding your way around
the hospital as well as take care of any other needs you may have.
Basic procedure information: The CT (Computed Tomography or CAT) scan uses X-rays to obtain
detailed, cross-sectional views of internal organs, blood vessels, soft tissues and bone. It can diagnose
disorders of the lungs, digestive system, heart and vascular system, as well as infectious disease. Beyond its
diagnostic value, CT can be used to guide biopsies and administer radiation treatment.
Please note: Nothing by mouth for four (4) hours in advance except for medications, water and oral prep.
You must arrive one hour in advance to drink the entire oral contrast for the abdominal scan, and two
hours in advance to drink for the pelvic scan.
Preparation: If you know that you are allergic to the iodinated contrast, please make your technician aware
as soon as you check in. Patients need to be off Glucophage and Glucovance 48 hours after the procedure
(check with your provider before taking yourself off of any medications).
Prep time: 2 hours
Exam time: 20-30 minutes. Please allow time for registration, check-in and some wait time.
Precautions: Certain procedures are not recommended for women who are pregnant unless in the event of
an emergency. Please notify your technician if you think you are pregnant so they can accomodate you.
The procedure: The CT scan is painless, fast (5-30 minutes) and non-invasive. You will be asked to remain still
as the table slides slowly through the scanner.
Abdominal scans often require drinking contrast (a liquid that better defines certain body structures) if your
exam requires this, the tech will provide you with the contrast to drink while you are waiting. Contrast materials
are often used to enhance visibility of organs or blood vessels. If the contrast material is injected, you may
experience a momentary sensation of warmth, a metallic taste or mild itching. Shortness of breath, or swelling of
the throat, or other parts of the body are more serious reactions that should be reported to the tech immediately.
If the contrast material is to be swallowed, some people will find the taste unpleasant. If it is administered by
enema, there will be a feeling of abdominal fullness.
The tech begins by positioning you on the CT table. Your body may be supported by pillows to help hold limbs
still and in the proper position during the scan. As the study proceeds, the table will move slowly into the CT
scanner “donut”. Depending on the area of the body being examined, the increments of movement may be so
small that they are almost undetectable, or you may feel the sensation of motion.
As it passes over the body, the scanner emits clicking and whirring noises. When the exam is over, you may be
asked to wait until the tech or radiologist reviews the images.
Post Exam: The patient may return to their normal diet and activities as soon as the exam is complete. The
contrast will be naturally eliminated from the patient’s body and should not discolor urine or stool.
Getting your results: After your procedure, the report will be sent to your provider for review. Only the
provider who ordered the test will receive the results. The results are available within 48 hours, so please check
with the provider who ordered the test after that timeframe to inquire about the results. Any other questions
regarding the results should be directed to your provider.
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Academy Street
East Entrance
A.R. Gould
Memorial Hospital
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If traveling from the Easton area, turn left into the East
Entrance and park in the first parking area on your right. This is
the closest parking area to the Main Entrance. Please stop at the
Guest Relations desk to be registered.
167
Main St.
Take Academy St. at the traffic light and drive up the hill. At the
crest of the hill, A. R. Gould Memorial Hospital is on the right.
Turn right into the East Entrance and park in the first parking
area on your right. This is the closest parking area to the Main
Entrance.
North St.
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Directions to A. R. Gould Memorial Hospital:
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Main St.
227
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Updated 7/08