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在此查找提供 CT 扫描服务的所有 I-MED 放射科诊所完整名单

CT scans are designed to look at specific parts of the body and are tailored for each person, to investigate their particular condition. This means that all CT scans are slightly different.

The CT scan equipment is a large square machine with a circular hole, sometimes described as looking like a “donut”. The process involves you lying on a bed attached to the scanner (this may be feet first or head first depending on the part of the body being looked at). The bed will then be raised up to a height level with the circular hole in the scanner and the bed slides in and out of the hole several times while pictures are being taken. It is important to try not to move during the scan as it will affect the quality of the pictures and make them harder for the radiologist to interpret.

The radiographer performing the CT scan may ask you to hold your breath for some scans. The length of time for each breath hold is usually under 10 seconds. Most scanners in use now are able to give instructions in different languages to help you understand what you need to do and what is happening. They will also often have ways of communicating with you if your hearing is poor.

The first few scans are usually done to set up the machine ready for the test. When the test is programmed into the computer by the radiographer and the scan is ready to go, they may remind you to keep still. If your test requires an iodinated contrast injection, the radiographer will come into the room to administer it using either a hand held syringe or a mechanical pump. The pump helps to put the iodinated contrast in at a set rate and allows for the scanner to target specific areas of the body.

When the iodinated contrast is injected, most people will get a strange metallic taste in the mouth and feel a warm sensation through the body. This warm sensation may concentrate around the groin or buttock region and can feel like you may have wet yourself, even though you have not. Do not be concerned if this happens, it is a common sensation and usually goes away within a couple of minutes.

Once the radiographer has reviewed the images briefly to check that the appropriate areas have been shown, they will come into the room to help you off the bed. The radiographer will not be able to give you any results after the CT scan; this is the responsibility of your doctor and the radiologist who interprets the images from the scan and provides a report to your doctor.

Once the CT scan is completed, you will have the cannula removed so you can go home.

The time taken to complete the CT scan will vary, depending on the examination that has been requested by your referring doctor. CT scans that do not require an injection and are usually quite quick and may be completed within 5 minutes.

In the case of CT scans which require you to drink a contrast solution or have an injection, the preparation time is often much longer than that of the scan itself. When a drink is required for an abdominal scan (of your stomach), you are often asked to have that drink an hour before the appointment time. This may be done prior to you arriving at the hospital or radiology practice or while you are in the waiting area.

Even when you are having a CT scan that requires an injection or a drink and other preparation, the time taken for the scan is usually under ten minutes.

CT scans are a fast, effective and accurate way of assisting your doctor to make a diagnosis and treat your condition.

The vast majority of people who have a CT scan have no after effects at all. After the test, you should be able to eat and drink as normal and resume regular activities.

If you have an injection of iodinated contrast, the sensations of warmth and the strange taste usually experienced should go away within a few minutes. In very uncommon cases, some people may be allergic to the iodinated contrast given into the vein in your arm or the back of your hand.

It is not possible to predict if a person will be allergic to the iodinated contrast, though our staff are well trained to deal with allergic reactions should they arise. It is important to make the radiographer aware of any other allergies that you may have, prior to having the injection.

People who are allergic to the iodinated contrast used in CT scans may get some of the following symptoms:

• Gagging or feeling of suffocation or swelling of the inside of the throat or mouth
• Dizziness and/or headache
• Sneezing and/or watering eyes
• Itching
• A skin rash or hives
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Change in blood pressure

If you do feel any of these symptoms after your CT scan, it is important to tell the radiographer immediately. If these feelings come on after leaving the clinic, you should return immediately (if close by), or attend the nearest doctor or emergency department.

Radiation exposure:

As is the case with most tests and medications prescribed by your doctor, CT does have risks that cannot be avoided.

Our staff are highly trained to minimise these risks by using the lowest possible radiation dose to achieve quality images that allow the radiologist to make an accurate diagnosis. The radiographer will only scan the part(s) of the body required, and do their best to avoid scanning areas that are particularly sensitive to radiation - this may involve the use of shields made of lead or bismuth (a type of metallic substance).

A CT scanner uses x-rays to obtain the pictures required for the radiologist to make a diagnosis. As is commonly known, x-rays are a form of radiation and must be used carefully by trained professionals to decrease the risks involved.

These risks are:

• A very small increase in the risk of developing cancer later in life. This low risk is considered to be outweighed by the benefits provided by the scan.
• Risk to an unborn child if you are pregnant. This risk could take the form of a very small increase in the risk of cancer or a malformation if you are exposed to radiation during the first months of your pregnancy.

Minimising risks from radiation include making sure that every CT scanner in use is regularly maintained and calibrated (tested and set to ensure accuracy) by specialised technicians. This is required by State and Federal laws.

Your doctor will receive a written report on your test as soon as is practicable.

It is very important that you discuss the results with the doctor who referred you so they can explain what the results mean for you.

Product information for diabetic sensors (CGM) and insulin pumps indicate the potential for malfunction if directly exposed to x-rays. Please notify staff of any diabetic equipment attached to you prior to your procedure/appointment. You MAY be asked to remove or disconnect the device prior to the exam, or more closely monitor their performance/accuracy after the exam.