Your CT Appointment
Your Diagnostic CT Appointment
Preparation
There are no special preparations for your diagnostic CT. You may eat and drink normally, and should continue to take any prescribed medications.
Before the Scan
When you arrive for your appointment, you will check in with reception and be given a private change room, where you may lock your valuables during your scan. You will be asked to change into the gown that has been provided.
During the Scan
Our technologist will position you on the CT table. You will then be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time while the table moves through the scanner. Although your scan will only take a few seconds, your total exam time will be about 10 minutes.
After the Scan
After a diagnostic scan, you will be free to leave as soon as your exam is complete. One of our radiologists will review the pictures that were taken by the scanner and a detailed report of all findings will be sent to your referring doctor within one working day.
Your Diagnostic CT Contrast Appointment
Preparation
If you are having a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast, please do not eat for four hours prior to the exam.
Before the Scan
When you arrive for your appointment, you will check in with reception and complete all necessary paperwork. You may be given an oral contrast half hour before your appointment time to further enhance the density of your organs. You will then be given a private change room, where you may lock your valuables during your scan. You will be asked to change into the gown that has been provided.
During the Scan
Our technologist will position you on the CT table. Depending on the area being scanned, the intravenous contrast will either be injected right away or after a series of preliminary scans. After the contrast has been injected, some people report feeling a flush of heat and sometimes a metallic taste in the back of the mouth – these sensations usually disappear within a minute or two. Some people experience mild itching sensations. You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time while the table moves through the scanner. The exam will last anywhere between 10 to 25 minutes, depending on the type of scan.
After the Scan
You will be asked to wait in our reception for 15-30 minutes to ensure you do not have any symptoms of an allergic reaction to the contrast. After that, one of our physicians will let you know you are free to go. One of our radiologists will review the pictures that were taken by the scanner and a detailed report of all findings will be sent to your referring doctor within one working day.
How To Book An Appointment
We require a referral from your Family Physician or Specialist for a diagnostic CT scan. Your physician can fax a referral directly to us and we will contact you within 48 hours to book your scan.
