What is CAT Scan? Why should I have my CAT Scan at Able Imaging? What should I expect? How do I prepare? Click here to print out the instructions When will I get the results of my CAT Scan? Patient Safety Guidelines

What is CAT Scan?
CAT Scan, Computerized Axial Tomography, is a medical imaging method used by physicians to look inside the human body. CAT scan is also referred to as CT. The CAT scanner uses x-rays and a computer to produce cross-sectional images of your body. The scanner emits a pencil-thin beam of x-rays at the body from many angles. Detectors measure the x-rays that pass through and send the measurements to a computer. The computer then uses the measurements to create images (pictures) of your body.

Depending on the test your physician has ordered, CAT scan is used to obtain pictures of your head, lungs, arteries, abdomen, pelvis, joints and bones.

Able Imaging utilizes the GE Lightspeed Multi-slice CT scanner. A multi-slice CT scanner is much faster than a conventional CT scanner. The speed and efficiency of the GE Lightspeed CT scanner reduces:

• examination
• time
• repeat exams
• radiation

Able Imaging also provides Preventive Imaging Screening:

Wellness Scan™  provides a 3-D look into your body from your neck to your hips in a matter of seconds. This pain free test can reveal life-threatening diseases long before they become symptomatic or can be detected by traditional testing.

Cardiac Scoring (Heart CT) is a pain free, noninvasive and inexpensive procedure requiring about 17 seconds. Cardiac Scoring evaluates your coronary arteries for plaque formation, and calculates your risk for heart attack.

Virtual Colonscopy provides a 3-D look into your colon that is simple, fast, and less invasive than conventional colonoscopy.

How often have you heard, "if we caught this sooner, the outcome may have been different." Coronary artery disease, pre-cancerous growths, lung damage resulting from smoking and a host of other diseases can all be detected at the earliest possible stages when they can still be successfully treated or managed.

For more information about the Wellness Scan™, Cardiac Scoring and Virtual Colonoscopy click on the links above or click on Preventive Screening in the navigation bar above. Back to Top

Why should I have my CAT Scan at Able Imaging?
Patient advantages at Able Imaging:

• The speed of our GE Lightspeed CT (right) unit makes it more appropriate for imaging the elderly, where breath-holding and movement often make sedation necessary
  
• Our GE Lightspeed acquires a volume of data rather than simply a set of slices. This in turn greatly aids in diagnosis of tumors and allows for far more accurate treatment planning
  
• The thin sections and fast speed of our scanner gives more detailed images for detection of small lesions
  
• The speed and efficiency of our CT scanner reduces scan times and repeat exams
  
• Patient friendly staff
  
• Stereo system within the scan room.
  
• With our experienced and board certified staff you will find our facility exceptional in patient care.
  
• We will do all we can to make your experience as comfortable as possible.
  
• Our GE Lightspeed uses open CT architecture to better accommodate heavy or claustrophobic patients

What should I expect?
Your CAT scan procedure will last anywhere from 17 seconds to 5 minutes depending on the study requested by your physician. You will meet your Able Imaging CT Technologist prior to your study. This technologist has completed a rigorous course of education and training, and works under the close supervision of the radiologist to assure the most accurate results from your examination.

Before the start of your CAT scan, the technologist will explain the procedure to you. The technologist will assist you on to the scanning table. You will lie on your back on the scanner tabletop and depending on the procedure you may be asked to raise your arms over your head. The tabletop slides slowly through a doughnut hole in the scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods of time. The CT technologist will be out of the room but will maintain contact with you both visually and verbally through an intercom system.

Some CAT Scans patients may be asked to take a special contrast agent, either orally or intravenously. CT contrast is used to make specific organs, blood vessels and/or tissue "standout" with more image contrast to better show the presence of disease or injury. You will be informed of special instructions to follow when contrast will be used. Back to Top

How do I prepare? Click here to print out the instructions
You should wear comfortable loose fitting two-piece clothing for your exam. Your preparation for a CAT Scan involves removing any metallic clothing or jewelry that might degrade the CT images, such as belts, earrings, bras, glasses, dentures, hairpins, etc. You may be asked to change into a gown if snaps or zippers will interfere with your scan. Should your scan require a contrast agent you will receive detailed instructions at the time your appointment is scheduled.

Special preparation is not required for most CAT Scans. Exams of the abdomen and pelvis require an oral contrast agent. The contrast is called barium. A barium drink is required 1 hour prior to your scan for an abdomen and 24 hours before for a pelvic scan. When scheduling for an abdomen and/or pelvis you will be asked to refrain from eating after midnight the night before the exam. Clear liquids in moderation are encouraged before the exam. Continue to take all medication as ordered by your doctor. Back to Top

When will I get the results of my CAT Scan?
When the scan is finished your study will be reviewed by the radiologist. The technologist is not able to discuss the results with you. Your physician will have the results of your study within 24 hours. Your physician will discuss the findings directly with you. Back to Top

Patient Safety Guidelines:
CAT Scan is not generally recommended for pregnant patients, especially during the first trimester. If you are pregnant, or think you may be, please notify your physician. If you take Glucophage or other oral diabetes treatment inform Able CT Technologists when you schedule your appointment. Back to Top