How is a thoracic ct scan done
What to Expect: CT Scan | Cedars-Sinai
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hello and thank you for choosing
cedars-sinai your doctor has ordered a
CT scan for you this video will let you
know what to expect and how to get ready
for your exam
most CT scans do not need any
preparations but there are a few
exceptions for example if you are having
a CT scan of the colon abdomen or pelvic
area you will need to prepare for the
scan before it can be done you will be
given a special liquid to drink in your
hospital room about an hour before the
exam this drink is called an oral
contrast drinking this liquid helps us
see inside your body on the scan you
will not be able to drink any other
liquids three hours before your exam
your doctor or nurse will let you know
in advance if you need to make any
special preparations now let's take a
look at what you can expect during your
CT scan your CT scan will be done at the
taper imaging department here at
cedars-sinai about 30 minutes before
your CT scan a transporter will come to
your room to take you to imaging if you
can you should go to the restroom before
you leave your room any devices used for
your care such as an IV heart monitor
and oxygen will either be supplied or be
brought with you a family member a
friend can come with you but must stay
in the imaging waiting area until your
exam is done the transporter will check
you in at the pre scan area for your
safety you will be asked the same
questions a few times by different
members of the imaging staff patients
with heart monitors will still be
monitored we will give you a call light
in case you need help we do many types
of scans and imaging and you may see
people come after you and leave before
you don't worry we didn't forget about
you these patients may be having an
imaging procedure that is different from
yours or it may be an emergency
situation we will do our best to keep
you from waiting but delays can happen a
member of the imaging staff will move
you to the CT room when your room is
ready
your CT technologist will ask you a few
questions to make sure that you get the
right scan and that you are safe during
your exam
the technologists will go to another
room to conduct the exam they will be
able to see and hear you and will be
able to enter the room if you need help
you will also be able to talk to the
technologist through an intercom ok
Carlos I just want to make sure that you
can hear me okay if you could give me a
wave with your hand please all right
we're ready to begin the CT scanner
looks like a large doughnut you will lie
on a table that will slide you through
the middle and the scanner will create
images of your body to get a clearer
picture of other areas of your body the
technologist may inject a contrast dye
by eye being while you are on the
scanner some people experience a
metallic taste in their mouths but this
only lasts as long as the injection if
you are allergic to iodine there is an
additional preparatory step and your
nurse or doctor will explain this to you
your scan will last 10 to 20 minutes
your technologist is not able to give
you results your images will be read by
a specialized imaging doctor called a
radiologist the information from the CT
scan will be quickly sent to the doctor
who ordered the tests the doctor will
talk to you about the test results and
your treatment options after your CT
scan you will be moved first to the post
scan area and then the transporter will
return you to your room we hope this
video has been helpful to you if you
have any other questions please ask a
member of the imaging team thanks for
watching
you
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