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Diagnostic Imaging
Information & Preparation Instructions for a CT scan
Halton Healthcare Services (HHS) uses a state-of-the-art Multidetector CT with low dose, very short
scan times and excellent image quality. Computerized Tomography (CT), sometimes called CAT scan, uses
multiple x-rays (ionizing radiation) that moves around you to create pictures of just about any part of your
body. Then a computer processes the information and shows the Radiologist (X-ray doctor) cross-section
digital images of the body tissues and organs.
Where can I get my CT scans done?
HHS presently has two CT scanners, one is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Department (Main Floor) at
the Oakville site (327 Reynolds St.), and the second is located in the Diagnostic Imaging Department (Main
Floor) at the Milton site (7030 Derry Rd.) which serves the Milton and Georgetown area. A third scanner
is scheduled to be installed at the Georgetown site in the Spring of 2013.
How do I get a booking?
Your doctor’s office will fax us a requisition for your CT scan to be done on you. Once the requisition has
been reviewed by the Radiologist, the booking clerk will provide your doctor with the details of your
appointment date and time. The doctor’s office will in turn call you with your appointment and provide
you with information on how to prepare if indicated. As these appointments can be during the day or in
the evening, please check your appointment times carefully.
Where do I call if I have to cancel an appointment?
If for any reason you can not make your appointment please call let us know and we can reschedule your
scan. For appointments at the Oakville site call 905-338-4604 between the hours of 8:30 am – 4:00 pm
Monday‐ Friday. For appointments at the Milton site call 905-878-7023 and then press “3” between the
hours of 8:30 am – 3:30 pm Monday‐ Friday.
How is the procedure preformed?
You will lie flat on a narrow table that moves in and out of a short tube. The opening of the scanner is
quite large and you should not have problems feeling claustrophobic, but please inform the staff of this
possibility before your scan. For some scans you may be asked to hold your breath as motion can cause a
blurring of the images. You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan, however the technologist
will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times. For some scans contrast media may need to be
given. If you have had X-ray dye or contrast before and know that you are allergic please discuss this with
your doctor prior to the procedure. As this is an X-ray, any female that is pregnant or trying to become
pregnant should inform the doctor and or technologist prior to the procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging
Information & Preparation Instructions for a CT scan
What do I need to do to prepare for my test?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing without any metal; this may eliminate the need to change into a
gown. Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be
left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and
removable dental work at the time of your scan.
Please bring to your appointment, a list of your current medications: prescriptions, over the counter
medications, and vitamins with you, as well as all related previous examinations you have had as they are
important to the reporting of your CT scan.
Your doctor’s office will inform you of any special instructions; such as whether you can eat or drink
before your test. If you do not speak English please arrange to have an interpreter with you. You should
arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment time for registration.
Upon arrival in the department:
Please stand behind the red line on the floor in the waiting area; this is to help provide privacy for those
patients being registered. When it is your turn the clerical staff will register you for your test and then
give you instructions as to where to wait, the CT staff will assist you from here on.
Some CT scans do not require any preparation and therefore are fairly quick. Once the scan is finished,
you will be released, while other scans require some preparation.
What if I’m having a CT scan that needs preparation?
You will be interviewed by a nurse or technologist and they will ask a few questions to provide us with
brief medical history. This will help us determine whether or not there are any issues with you having the
contrast. If you are to receive an injection the test will be explained and if you give us permissions to
continue, a needle will be inserted into a vein in your arm.
If your test is of your abdomen, you may also be asked to drink a special liquid (oral contrast). The
amount and type of drink may vary according to your history, approximately 1 litre of contrast spread
over 1 to 2 hours. These contrast agents help the radiologist see specific areas of the body, like the brain,
kidneys, arteries, stomach, bowel etc. and detect abnormalities.
What will I experience during the procedure?
After positioning you on the table, the technologist will take a picture which will enable them to plan your
scan. Once ready, there may be a set of images before and after the injection. During the injection of the
contrast material, you may have a warm, flushed sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts
for a few minutes. Some patients may experience a sensation like they have to urinate but this subsides
quickly. If you feel unwell, light-headed or experience difficulty breathing you should notify the
technologist right away. Some studies may require additional scanning decided by the Radiologist at the
time of your scan – additional time will be needed for those examinations.
Diagnostic Imaging
Information & Preparation Instructions for a CT scan
What will I experience after the procedure?
Once the scan is complete you will be asked to stay for a further 10 minutes to make sure you’re feeling
okay. If you feel okay, the needle will be removed and you will be released. You may eat normally but
should continue to drink extra fluids for the remainder of the day to help your body to get rid of the
contrast.
Occasionally a patient may develop itching and hives, if you do, notify the nurse or technologist.
Sometimes these may pass without treatment or respond quickly to medication. If you develop any of
these things, you may be asked to remain in the department under observation for awhile to monitor how
you are feeling.
Although every effort is made to remain on schedule, some procedures may take longer than
expected to complete or urgent procedures often must be added. Therefore, the wait for your test
may be longer than expected up to 2 - 3 hours in some instances.
Please note that you will not lose your place in the line of booked outpatient appointments.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
TESTS AND PROCEDURES:
How to prepare for CT scans of the Head, Neck or Chest?
How to prepare for CT scans of the Abdomen / Pelvis?
How to prepare for CT scans of the Abdomen / Pelvis for Kidney Stones?
How to prepare for CT scans of the Spine?
How to prepare for CT scans of an Extremity?
How to prepare for CT Colonography?
How to prepare for CT Cardiac Angiogram?
How to prepare for CT Guided Biopsy?
Diagnostic Imaging
Information & Preparation Instructions for a CT scan
How to prepare for CT scans of the Head, Neck or Chest?
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You should have nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your appointment time
You should drink at least TWO 12 oz. glasses of clear fluids (salty fluids such as clear broth or
Gatorade are recommended) 2 hours prior to arriving for your appointment
If your medical condition prevents you from drinking these fluids, please contact your physician
Continue all medications as usual according to your physicians instructions
Bring a list of your current medications
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
Approximate length of the scan without an injection:
Approximate length of the scan with an injection:
10 – 15 minutes
15 – 30 minutes
How to prepare for CT scans of the Abdomen / Pelvis?
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You should have nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your appointment time
You should drink at least TWO 12 oz. glasses of clear fluids (salty fluids such as clear broth or
Gatorade are recommended) 2 hours prior to arriving for your appointment
If your medical condition prevents you from drinking these fluids, please contact your physician
Continue all medications as usual according to your physicians instructions
Bring a list of your current medications
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
You may empty your bladder prior to coming for your appointment
Your scan may require you to drink a special liquid which your will start when you arrive in the
department
Approximate length of the scan with or without an injection: 60 – 120 minutes
How to prepare for CT scans of the Abdomen / Pelvis for Kidney Stones?
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One hour prior to your scan time, empty your bladder and then drink 2 large glasses of water, do
not empty your bladder now until after the test
Continue all medications as usual according to your physicians instructions
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
Approximate length of the scan:
15 – 30 minutes
Diagnostic Imaging
Information & Preparation Instructions for a CT scan
How to prepare for CT scans of the Spine?
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Patient’s may eat or drink as usual
Continue all medications as usual
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
Approximate length of the scan:
10 – 15 minutes
How to prepare for CT scans of an Extremity?
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Patient’s may eat or drink as usual
Continue all medications as usual
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
Approximate length of the scan:
10 – 15 minutes
How to prepare for CT Colonography?
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Two to three days prior, come to the hospital between 2 and 4 pm, to get the instructions for the
procedure and pick up 3 small containers of a barium drink, that is required for the test
Two days prior, pick up Pico-Salax plus a package of Dulcolax tablets from the pharmacy
One day prior you will need to start taking the laxative to clean out your bowel, and you will
need to remain on a clear fluid diet until your test is completed (clear fluids consists of water,
tea, coffee, strained fruit juice, broth, Jell-O, and popsicles, NO solid food or dairy products)
Continue all medications as usual according to your physicians instructions
Bring a list of your current medications
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
Approximate length of the scan:
60 minutes
How to prepare for CT Cardiac Angiogram?
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Nothing to eat 4 hours prior to your appointment time
May have *CLEAR fluids up to 1 hr prior
Continue all medications as usual according to your physicians instructions
Bring a list of your current medications
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
Approximate length of the scan:
60 minutes
Diagnostic Imaging
Information & Preparation Instructions for a CT scan
How to prepare for CT Guided Biopsy?
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Two days prior, go to the hospital to have blood work drawn for your procedure
You should have nothing to eat after midnight
May have *CLEAR fluids up to 1 hr prior
Continue all medications as usual, with the exception of blood thinners, these should be
discontinued 1 week prior to the test according to your physicians instructions
Bring a list of your current medications
Bring with you all related previous examinations you have had
You will require recovery time in the Medical Day Care department after the procedure
You will need to arrange a ride home after your stay in Medical Day Care
Approximate length of the scan:
5 hours