* For specified clinical indications.
Computed Tomography (CT) uses an x-ray machine and advanced computer programs to create two and three dimensional images of your body.
There may be many reasons why your doctor refers you for a CT scan including;
To diagnose kidney or gall stones
To diagnose a slipped or bulging vertebral disc
To assess lesions and cysts
To diagnose cancer
…and many more
CT images are taken by specialist staff called Radiographers. These images are then interpreted and reported upon by specialist doctors called Radiologists.
For the examination, your Radiographer may ask you to remove any clothing that might obstruct the accuracy of your images and wear a provided gown where necessary. You will then be asked to lie on the CT table which slides through the circular CT machine. When this is happening you will be asked to keep very still and hold your breath for a few seconds. Whilst you are doing this, the CT machine will be taking images. Once the Radiographer is satisfied that the images are accurate the procedure is finished. Capturing the images takes only a few seconds but the processing of the films may take several minutes.
As CT’s are a type of x-ray, you should be careful not to have too many as excessive exposure caused by too many CT scans in a short time can be harmful to the body. To avoid over exposure to CT scan radiation, radiographers who work in x-rays and CT scans are required to stand behind a protective glass shield when your pictures are being taken.
Most CT scans require preparation in order to ensure that the images are accurate. These will typically involve fasting and sometimes you will be asked to drink water prior to your appointment.
Contrast is usually an iodine or barium based liquid. As such there is always a small chance that it may cause an allergic reaction. Before you are given the contrast you will be asked if you are allergic to iodine, shellfish or seafood. This is because shellfish and seafood has traces of iodine in them naturally and an allergy to them may indicate an allergy to iodine. In such cases, alternative contrasts can be considered.
Yes. Although there is usually little or no waiting times for a CT scan, appointments are essential as there is often some preparation required
X-Ray & Imaging have CT machines at nine our practices in Beerwah, Caloundra, Coolum, Cooroy, Golden Beach, Kawana, Maleny, Maroochydore and Sippy Downs.
X-Ray & Imaging firmly believes sustainability is the future of the healthcare sector, with a focus on improving clinical diagnosis and patient care.
Our new Low-Dose CT scanners are not only a greener alternative to traditional CT machines (producing 80% less carbon emissions and reducing energy consumption by 30% as opposed other CT scanners), but patients are exposed to approximately one third the amount of radiation – extremity & specific chest scans are comparable to X-Ray exposure.
(Picano, E., 2020. Environmental sustainability of medical imaging. Acta Cardiologica,.)
In addition, metal artefact reduction software makes these scanners ideal for patients with joint replacements or implanted devices. The image quality and diagnostic capability for these examinations has significantly improved due to the wider range of settings for increased contrast to ensure optimal scanning and soft tissue lesion clarification..
