Lakeside MRI &
Diagnostic Center
17360 Hwy 3
Webster, TX 77598
Fax
(281) 554-8407
64-SLICE CT SCAN
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) is a fast, painless, noninvasive scan that combines a series of advanced x-ray images to produce detailed, cross-sectional slices (images) of organs, tissues, bones, blood vessels and systems in the body. These images are reformatted in multiple planes to view the scanned area from all angles. With the 64-slice CT scanner, the reformat generates incredibly sharp 3D images to provide physicians the extreme detail needed to diagnose and treat medical conditions quickly and accurately.
BENEFITS OF 64 SLICE CT SCAN VS 16 SLICE
While most facilities, including hospitals, use a standard 16-slice CT scanner, Lakeside MRI uses the advanced technology of the patient-focused 64-slice CT machine. Because CT scan technology uses small amounts of radiation, as with everyday x-rays, Lakeside’s focus is on how to significantly limit the amount a patient is exposed to, while providing superior results for treating physicians. The 64-slice CT scanner not only lessens risks to patients but enables early disease detection even for life-threatening conditions.
Lightning
Fast
Speed
Even the most advanced tests are now completed in less than 10 seconds.
Remarkable
Image
Resolution
Images are vastly improved, providing physicians clear, sharp, detailed images they need to diagnose medical conditions quickly and accurately.
Screening
Studies
Physicians can refer at risk patients for screenings to detect diseases in early stages and track disease progression and regression.
Lower
Radiation
Doses
The amount of radiation incurred has been greatly reduced with the faster test speed.
Reconstructed
3D
Views
Areas of interest are now viewed in remarkably detailed, color 3D images, with everything else removed from sight.
Non-Invasive
Procedures
All these benefits are realized through a non-invasive scan, with no recovery period and the patient resuming normal activities and diet immediately.
Less
Contrast
Required
The amount of contrast dye required to highlight particular areas has now been minimized.
Reduced
Motion
Artifacts
Because of the lightning fast speed, the amount of image distortion due to movement within the body is greatly reduced.
Early
Disease
Detection
Physicians can detect diseases and discover other conditions in pre-symptomatic stages. This life-saving tool reveals heart disease, cancers, blots clots and more.
WHY scan on anything lower than a 64-slice CT again?
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR A CT SCAN
Before you schedule your CT scan, let your physician know if any of the following apply to you:
• Have asthma or allergies to food, medicine, or iodine
• Have health problems, such as kidney disease, hypertension or diabetes
• Are pregnant or if you are experiencing a late or missed menstrual cycle
• Have recently had surgery or experienced trauma or injury
• Are experiencing pain or other symptoms
• Are being treated for any other medical problem
• Have ever been diagnosed with cancer
• Have had any other diagnostic tests for this condition
AFTER SCHEDULING A CT SCAN
After you schedule your CT scan, be sure to fill out your forms on the Patient Portal any time before you arrive at your appointment.
Note: Using a Lakeside-assigned SID number to complete your forms while at the facility does not set up a patient account. Please set up your account and complete your forms beforehand to access your medical information in the future.
THE DAY OF A CT SCAN
On the day of the CT scan, you may be instructed to refrain from eating, drinking or taking medications a few hours before your exam. Wear loose clothing without snaps or other metal fasteners. You may, however, be asked to wear a gown during the test.
Before entering the CT scan room, you typically will be asked to remove items that may affect imaging or cause more serious problems, such as:
• Body piercings
• Cell phone
• Coins
• Cosmetics that contain metal particles, including magnetic eye lashes
• Credit cards
• Dentures and other removable dental work
• Eyeglasses
• Hairpins
• Hearing aids
• Jewelry
• Keys
• Pens
• Pocket knife
• Tracking devices
• Underwire bra
• Watch
• Wig
If your physician has included medication for claustrophobia or anxiety in the physician’s orders, you will be administered a sedative, at a separate charge, to help you relax prior to the CT scan. If you expect to be sedated, do not eat 6 hours prior to the exam and have a driver with you for your release. However, most patients do not require sedation for a CT scan.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN HAVING A CT SCAN
Before the CT Scan Begins
The CT scanner is shaped like a large donut standing on its side. You lie on a table that slides through the machine while images are captured during the brief scan.
Bolsters may be used to help keep you still as movement during the CT scan may distort images and require it to be repeated. The total CT scan time is between 1 minute and 6 minutes.
For CT scans that require contrast dye, you will be administered the contrast either orally, through an IV or both, based on what the test stipulates.
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If the dye is taken orally, you will be asked to drink the Barium and then wait for 30 minutes while it coats the organs.
-
If the dye is administered through an IV, the IV is inserted before the scan begins. During the test, the scan will be paused while a technologist enters the room to administer the injection.
The dye can temporarily leave a metallic taste in your mouth, which is normal. You will need to drink extra water following your exam to help flush the dye from your system.
Before the CT scan begins, the CT technologist will explain the process and answer any questions you may have. Also, for your comfort, the technologist will offer you:
-
Pillows
-
Socks and a warm blanket, as the CT scan room is kept at a cool temperature
During the CT Scan
Once fully prepped, the CT technologist will return to the control room to conduct the CT scan, while monitoring you through the window and providing instructions over the two-way intercom.
At certain points during the CT scan the technologist may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds to avoid blurry images. You will also be able to communicate with the technologist at any time over the intercom without moving.
As the table moves through the CT scanner, detectors and an x-ray beam rotate around the body taking detailed images. During this, you will hear a whirling or buzzing sound. It is also normal for the area of the body being scanned to feel slightly warm. Also, the IV contrast has a warming sensation as it goes through the body.
Usually the patient is in the room by themselves. However, a patient can have another screened adult in the room with them, if they are wearing a lead x-ray apron to prevent radiation exposure.
After the CT Scan
After the CT scan, the technologist will review the images to see if any additional are required. Once satisfied with the image results, you will be released.
If you did not require sedation, there is no recovery period. You may resume your normal activities and diet. However, if you were given sedation medication, you will be released to your driver.
Some physicians prefer that you bring a CD of the images to your follow up appointment; however, most often, images are electronically sent to the radiologist for review and then the report is sent directly to your referring physician. Patients are asked to make a follow-up appointment with their doctor to discuss the results.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR A CT SCAN
What is a CT scan?
Computed tomography (CT or CAT) is a fast, painless, noninvasive scan that combines a series of advanced x-ray images to produce detailed, cross-sectional slices (images) of organs, tissues, bones, blood vessels and systems in the body. These images are reformatted in multiple planes to view the scanned area from all angles. With the 64-slice CT scanner, the reformat generates incredibly sharp 3D images to provide physicians the extreme detail needed to diagnose and treat medical conditions quickly and accurately.
How long does the 64-slice CT scan take?
The CT scan itself only takes seconds. However, preparation will take a few minutes before the CT scan begins and another couple of minutes after the test. The whole process typically takes between 10 minutes to less than 30 minutes.
Can I move while I am getting a CT scan?
It is important that you do not move while the CT is scanning, as movement will cause distortion of the images. However, the scan time is only seconds.
Can I get a CT scan if I am pregnant?
It is not recommended that pregnant patients get a CT scan. In addition, pregnant patients should not use contrast dye for a test, unless it is necessary. Tell your physician if you are or could be pregnant before scheduling your CT scan, as they may recommend an Ultrasound or MRI instead.
Can a patient with braces or fillings get a CT scan?
A patient with braces or fillings is safe to get a CT scan. However, depending on the area to be scanned, the metal may distort the images. Discuss this with your physician beforehand to make the determination.
How is a CT scan different than an X-ray?
An X-ray sends just one beam of radiation through the body to obtain an image. A CT scan sends multiple beams to gather extremely detailed, clear, thinly sliced images of the scanned area. The result gives the physician what they need to diagnose medical conditions quickly and accurately.
What are the side effects from a CT?
Side effects from a CT scan are extremely rare. However, in some instances, the iodine-based contrast dye may cause nausea, headaches, and pain or burning at the IV injection site. Even more rarely, a patient may begin to have allergic symptoms, such as hives or itchy eyes. If this happens, notify the technologist immediately.
More serious reactions occur very infrequently. These include shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, convulsions, kidney failure, shock, a blood clot, and tissue damage at the site of the injection. Studies indicate the chance of a serious reaction is about 2 in 1000, or .002%.
Is the amount of radiation used in a CT scan dangerous?
CT scans in general use a very limited, targeted dose of radiation that has not been shown to cause long-term harm. In addition, with shorter scan time and the more advanced technology requiring less dosage of the 64-slice CT scanner as compared to a 16-slice CT, the amount of radiation is even more minimized. It can be compared to the amount of radiation that a person would naturally be exposed to in their everyday environment over a span of months.
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ROGER D.
Very well run facility. Very professional. Clean, comfortable and easy peazy. Highly recommend.
AMY JO O.
WOW!! What a wonderful experience I had here at Lakeside! From the appointment scheduling, the timeliness of getting me back to the room for my ultrasound... what a pleasant and positive experience!! Thank you so much!!
GLEN R.
Great place to get imaging done. From IV to patients care, wonderful experience for us.
