CT scanning, or CAT scan, is a noninvasive, painless medical test that assists in diagnosing and treating medical conditions.

CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images of the inside of the body. A computer then joins the images together in cross-sectional views of the area. The images are able be examined on a computer monitor or printed.

CT scans are used to view internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels with greater clarity than conventional x-ray exams.

Radiologists are able to more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders with CT technology.

Preparation for the Exam

Loose, comfortable clothing is recommended. Your patient may be given a gown to wear during your study.

Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, and hairpins may affect the study and should be left at home whenever possible.

Your patient may be asked to remove hearing aids and any removable dental work.

If over 60 years of age, a blood test may be needed prior to a CT exam.

Your patient should inform the technologist of all medications they are currently taking and any allergies they have, especially to contrast materials.

The patient should inform the technologist of any recent illnesses or other medical conditions including a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, or kidney disease.

Women who may possibly be pregnant should notify the technologist immediately.

After The Exam

The intravenous contrast medium, if used, will be eliminated through the urine and should cause no discoloration. Fluid intake should be increased after the scan to help your body eliminate the contrast. Regular food intake can resume immediately after the examination, unless otherwise determined by a doctor.

An Inland Imaging radiologist will interpret the study and send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will review the results with you.

Contrast Information

During many CT examinations, patients may be asked to take special contrast agent(s) orally (by mouth) or intravenously.  These contrast agents are pharmaceutical agents (liquids) and are sometimes referred to as "dye". 

CT Contrast is used to make specific organs, blood vessels and/or tissue types "stand out" with more image contrast to better show the presence of disease or injury.  Thus CT contrast hightlights specific areas on the images  or "dyes" it.
 

Oral Contrast:

Oral contrast may be used with CT studies of the abdomen and pelvis.  There are several different substances used for oral CT contrast.  Water, barium sulfate (similar in consistency to a milk shake), Gastrografin (water-based flavored drink mixed with iodine), and Volumen (primarily used for CT scans of the small bowel) are all used at Inland Imaging.

Patients usually drink three to four 12 oz. glasses of oral contrast (specific to their individual exam and condition) for sufficient filling of their stomach and intestines.  The gastrointestinal tract (stomach, small bowel, and colon) appears highlighted on the CT images when oral contrast has been consumed.  Most patients have few if any side effects from oral contrast.
 

IV Contrast:

Intravenous contrast is used in CT to help highlight blood vessels and to enhance the tissue structure of various organs such as the brain, liver,  and kidneys.  "Intravenous" means that the contrast is injected into a vein (usually in the arm or hand).  A technologist or nurse will start the IV for administration of the contrast. 

The contrast flows thru the blood vessels and organs causing them to "enhance" and show up as white areas on the CT images.  You may feel a warm or hot "flushed" sensation during the injection of contrast and a "metallic" taste in your mouth, which usually last less than a minute.  With the newer types of "non-ionic" contrast (which Inland Imaging uses) ,  the risk of allergic reaction is reduced.

CT Locations

Deer Park Center
Holy Family Center
South Cowley Center
Spokane Valley Center