CAT Scan Care
Learn what care is required for the CAT Scan procedure. Find out what you need to do prior to the procedure, how long it will take, if you will be required to stay in the hospital and what the postoperative care is.
Alternate Names for CAT Scan:
Computed axial tomography
Computed tomography scan
CT scan
Learn
- Overview
- What It Is
- Reasons For
- Complications
- What to Expect
- Results
- When to Call a Doctor
CAT Scan Details
Alternate Names for CAT Scan:
Computed axial tomography
Computed tomography scan
CT scan
What to Expect
Prior to Test
-
Before the test, your doctor will likely ask about:
- Your medical history
- Medicines you take
- Allergies
- Whether you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Leading up to your test, follow your doctor's instructions regarding any changes in how you take your medicines and any restrictions on your eating and drinking.
-
At the healthcare facility:
- A healthcare professional will explain the test and answers any questions you may have.
- You will remove your clothes and put on a gown or robe.
- You will remove all jewelry, hair clips, dentures, and other objects that could show on the x-rays and make the images hard to read.
- If your CT scan includes oral contrast material, you will need to drink the contrast material at this time.
You will lie (usually on your back) on a movable bed. The bed will slide into the donut-shaped CT scanner. Depending on the type of scan, an IV line may be placed in your hand or arm. A saline solution and contrast material may be injected during the test. The technologist will leave the room. She will give you directions via an intercom. The machine will take a series of pictures of the area of your body that is being studied. Your bed may move slightly between pictures.
After TestYou will need to wait for the technician to review your images. In some cases, more images will need to be taken.
How Long Will It Take?About 10-15 minutes
Will It Hurt?You may feel warm and flushed if contrast material is injected into your vein. Otherwise, you should feel no pain.
Learn
 What to Expect Find out how long it will take, what they will be doing and what to expect afterwards. |
 Results What are the next steps and other possible tests needed after you have received the results. |
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Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A
MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment
or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright ©2013 EBSCO Publishing All rights
reserved. Source: EBSCO
