Questions on Patient's Upcoming CT Scan Agawam MA
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Westfield, MA
(860) 688-2026
Windsor, CT
Questions on Patient's Upcoming CT Scan
No matter what medical procedure a patient is scheduled to have, it is very important that he or she be made completely aware of all the details of this procedure. Usually, their doctor will explain what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, but it is also completely normal to have additional questions.
Say, for example, that a patient has been informed that he or she needs a CT scan. Most people might have a general idea what the procedure itself involves, but there are some who want to know how they should prepare, how long the CT scan will take, and so on.
A CT scan is similar to an x-ray in that it requires radiology, but it differs in its overall technique. Specifically, this kind of procedure uses both x-ray equipment and computers to obtain a three-dimensional view of the area of the body that is being examined. The results of the scan can be printed out for future reference.
Many people are interested to know what exactly this kind of scan can be used for. The answer is that it can be used to detect trauma, diseases, skeletal disorders, and cancer. Usually, this kind of scan is most commonly used for the latter two examples.
Those who are wondering how best to prepare for a CT scan should be aware of the fact that any metal object can affect the scan. So, things like zippers and buttons, as well as removable dental work, will all need to be removed to ensure the best results.
This is also the case for any metal in eyeglasses, hair accessories, and sometimes even hearing aids. If the patient does not have clothing that conforms to the guidelines set forth by the place that they are receiving the scan in, then they will be given a medical robe to wear. Another important thing that the patient should remember to do is to not eat or drink for an amount of time specified prior to the procedure by the doctor.
Also, the doctor will ask the patient about any allergies to various dyes that might be used during the course of the scan. The patient will be asked to lay down on an examining table, which will be placed into the scanning machine, which is like a capsule. With each pass of the scan, the patient will be asked by the technician (who is usually in an adjacent room) to stay as still as possible.
The amount of time that the scan will take depends upon several different factors, the most prominent of which has to do with what the scan is supposed to be looking for. It might be advanced medical technology, but in order to get the clearest results possible, the scan will take, on average, an hour to complete.
When the scan is completed, the patient will be given back any personal possessions that they had to remove during the procedure. Depending on the seriousness of their existing medical condition, they can then return to their regular activities.