Computed Tomography (CT)
Computed tomography is a painless medical examination of obtaining an image of the organs and structures not possible to be visualized by traditional X-Ray examining methods. The scanner receives data of images taken from different angles around the body and after digital information processing it shows cross-section of body tissue and organs. City Clinic is one of the few, if not only private facility of Diagnostic Imaging offering high quality of CT images (high resolution) in low levels of irradiation thanks to the innovative iDoze 4system. Due to the newest technological achievements, irradiation of patients has been reduced in average of 50%. Precise scanning (when executing recommended medical protocols for examining different organs and systems) as well as comparing these images with the clinical information guarantees an accurate diagnose.
What should I expect?
During the examination you are required to lie on a table going through the opening of the ring-shaped device. A lab technician carrying out the examination shall be following you through a window, able to hear what you say and vice-versa. The examination is completely painless but sometimes an injection of contrast agent is required. If this is the case, the lab technician shall insert an IV in the hand/arm vain (this is the most often location). If the abdomen or pelvis is to be examined, you may have to drink some water or water solution to ease the process of imaging the organs. An important requirement during this examination is to stay calm and not move during the procedure. Upon examining your lungs and abdomen you may be instructed to hold your breath and stop breathing. It is of crucial important to follow carefully whatever the technician instructs you.
How can I prepare?
Some examinations require no food intake for a given amount of hours before the procedure. However, you should still take your prescribed medications if not instructed otherwise. Patients with diabetes and insulin treatment (intake) are advised to postpone injecting their medication after the CT exam has ended and they have taken a bite.
Some examinations (such as virtual colonoscopy, CT coronary angiography, etc.) require the patient to put on a disposable hospital gown after taking their clothes off. Sometimes you may have to take off your earrings, jewelry, glasses or dentures.
Women must always tell the medical personnel if they aren’t sure they might be pregnant.
Injection of a contrast agent
The contrast agent is an organically-linked iodine substance used to visualize some disease changes. It is injected in the veins through a small IV the lab technician or the nurse shall insert in your hand/arm. Although it is rather rare, there is a chance of an allergic reaction. You should notify the radiologist if you have experienced an allergic reaction during former contrast agent injections or if you are sensitive to other medications.
If you take Glucophage or another anti-diabetes medication containing Metformin, you should stop its intake 48 hours after the examination.
If you suffer from a kidney disease and it has led to increased levels of creatinine in the blood or in case of a thyroid disease causing increased hormone release you MUST notify the radiologist or the lab technician.
Results
After the end of the examination the results shall be interpreted by a diagnostic imaging specialist, specialized in Computed Tomography of the given area. The final result shall be available for you to receive it on the next day. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to address them to the staff.
