Computed tomography (CT) scans are used for diagnostic purposes by combining many X-ray images to show what looks like a cross-section or slice of the body. Doctors can view both hard and soft tissue on a CT scan. Cancer, bone fractures, blood clots, and other medical disorders can all be diagnosed with these easily captured photos, which can be taken of virtually any portion of the body.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, you should talk to your doctor before getting to a CT scan centre in Bangalore because of the radiation risk involved.
What is a CT Scan?
Computed tomography, or CT scanning, allows doctors to see an internal view of your body in high resolution. A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create images of your body in cross-section. The device captures images in which your bones, muscles, organs, and blood arteries are “sliced” very thinly, allowing medical professionals to examine them in exquisite detail.
Most X-ray machines today still use the age-old method of directing X-rays in a single direction through a stationary tube. The quantity of X-ray energy absorbed by various tissues as it passes through the body varies.
More dense tissues show up as whiter against the black film background. A 2D image is all that can be obtained from an X-ray. During a CT scan, the patient lies in a circular tube that rotates the X-ray in a complete circle. Insight into your bodily organs is rendered in stunning 3D by the data collected.
What Must I Do to Prepare for The CT Scan?
Consult your doctor before booking the exam at a CT Scan Centre in Bangalore if you are pregnant or may be pregnant. You and your doctor will talk about other available choices. As for your attire, you might be requested to change into a patient gown. You’ll be given a robe if that’s the case. To keep your belongings safe, we will offer you a locker. Get rid of your piercings and leave your valuables at home.
CT scans are most commonly performed with and without contrast material. The radiologist better sees images of the body’s interior once the contrast media have been administered at a CT Scan in Bangalore.
Contrast media containing iodine should not be given to all patients. Please let the access center staff member know if your renal function is impaired when you visit. You could have the scan done without contrast material or try another imaging test.
Intravenous (IV) contrast media injection carries potential dangers and adverse effects, and you will be asked to sign a consent form outlining your understanding of these before the procedure begins.
Most CT scans with contrast involve a “double contrast study,” in which you take a contrast medium by mouth before the exam begins and receive a difference through an IV. The more contrast liquid you consume, the better the radiologist can see your digestive system in the photographs.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast media, you must communicate this to the access center representative when scheduling your CT scan. If you have ever had a severe or anaphylactic reaction to any contrast media, you will not get IV contrast.
You should take some medicine before the CT scan if you’ve ever had a slight reaction to it. When you make your exam appointment, we’ll thoroughly review these preparations. Talking to your doctor about any allergies to contrast media is a must.
You are free to eat and drink as usual before a CT scan that your doctor has recommended without contrast. If your doctor has ordered a contrast CT scan, you should fast for three hours beforehand. Consume only clear liquids as directed. Before the test, you can also take any necessary drugs.
DIETER: Diabetics, three hours before your scheduled scan time, have a light meal or lunch. If you use oral medication to control your diabetes, you may be advised to stop using it for 48 hours before and after the CT scan. After undergoing a CT scan in Bangalore, you will receive comprehensive aftercare instructions.
Every prescription medicine should be taken as usual. The kind of preparation your doctor asks you to take will depend on your health situation.
Have You Ever Wondered, “What Exactly Happens during a CT Scan?”
CT scans can be done as either an in-hospital procedure or as part of an outpatient visit. Your doctor will determine the specific steps required to treat your illness.
Here’s how a CT scan is typically performed:
- You may need to don a hospital gown. You’ll be given a robe if that’s the case. All of your possessions can be stowed up safely in the included lockbox. Get rid of your piercings and leave your valuables at home.
- Intravenous (IV) lines are started in the hand or arm to inject contrast material during required procedures. You’ll be asked to consume a liquid contrast agent for an oral contrast study. Rectally administered contrast may be necessary in some cases.
- A scanned table, on which you will lie, will fit into the scanner’s huge, circular hole. Patients can be restrained using pillows and straps to stay still during the treatment.
- The scanner’s controls, where the technician will be stationed, are in a separate area. However, you will always have a clear view of the technologist because of a window. Thanks to built-in speakers, the technologist can hear and converse with you during the scan. During the process, you may receive a call button if you encounter difficulties and need to notify the technologist. The technologist will keep constant vigil and be in frequent contact with you.
- Little bursts of X-rays will flow through your body as the scanner begins to spin around you. It is usual to hear some clicking sounds.
- Once the scanner picks up the X-rays absorbed by the body, the data is sent to a computer. The radiologist will then analyze the image created by the computer.
- You’ll need to be ultimately still throughout the operation. You may be requested to hold your breath at specific points in the treatment.
- If your operation requires contrast media, you may feel discomfort during the injection of the dye into your IV line. Flushing, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a quick jolt to the brain, and sometimes even nausea and vomiting are some of the side effects you might experience. The duration of these effects is often short.
- If you start having trouble breathing, sweating excessively, feeling numb, or having heart palpitations, you should inform the technician.
- You will be taken out of the scanner once the operation is finished.
- If contrast were administered through an IV line, it would be removed.
- While the CT scan itself does not cause any pain, patients with recent injuries or those who have undergone invasive procedures like surgery may experience some discomfort from having to lie still for the duration of the scan. The technician will take every precaution to ensure your comfort and rush through the operation to reduce any pain or distress you may have.
Conclusion
Before your CT scan, you must complete a brief health history form. After finishing, you may be requested to remove any metal objects, including jewellery and glasses.
You might have to change into a hospital gown before having your chest, abdomen, or pelvis scanned. Once the CT technologist determines that IV contrast is necessary for the exam, they will insert an IV line in the patient (see general instructions). A sliding table will transport you and your body into the scanner.
An average CT scan needs around five minutes of your time. Throughout this period, you must keep completely still.