CT Exams

CT Guidance for Oncology Marking

PREPARATION
The patient should be placed on clear liquids 4 hours prior to the examination. This is to avoid nausea from the IV injection.

EXAM DESCRIPTION
IV is started if it is indicated for IV contrast.  Patient will be placed in the scanner on their back and positioned on the radiation therapy form. IV contrast injected if indicated.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED
This exam takes approximately ½ hour.

CT Guided Needle Biopsy

PREPARATION:
The radiologist will indicate pre-procedure medications.  Patient will be nothing by mouth (NPO) 6 hours.  An IV will be required. Patient is required to be NPO to decrease chances of nausea, vomiting, with the use of moderate sedation.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:
Using sterile technique, local anesthesia, moderate sedation, and CT guidance, a biopsy needle is placed in a specific target (mass, lesion, etc.).  Tissue samples are obtained.  Cytology staff assists with fine needle biopsies.  Core biopsies may be obtained without cytology assistance.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
This exam takes approximately 1 hour.

CT of Spine (Cervical, Thoracic, and Lumbar)

PREPARATION: 
No preparation is necessary for this examination unless patient has had prior surgery to anatomy being ordered in which your doctor will discuss this specifically with you.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is positioned on their back on the CT table.  The area of interest is positioned within the gantry of the scanner.  Images are obtained which demonstrate any bone destruction, lesions, fractures, disc herniation or disc disease.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Scanning time is approximately 15 minutes.

CT of Abdomen or Pelvis (Liver, Spleen, Pancreas, Adrenals, Kidneys, Bladder, Prostate, Uterus, Ovaries, and Retroperitoneum)

PREPARATION:
The patient may have clear liquids only (no solid food) up to 4 hours prior to exam. Exceptions include patients who will not to be given the IV contrast material. All medications may be given. Oral contrast material (Omnipaque 240, or Gastroview) will be administered for most exams. Nursing units will be advised concerning dosages and times to be given. The oral contrast material administered opacifies the bowel. The contrast in the bowel is often the only means of determining if a suspicious area is a bowel loop or other abnormality. IV contrast material may cause vomiting. The danger of vomiting and subsequent aspiration exists when the patient is not properly prepped.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:
Patients will be placed on their back on the CT table with the abdomen and pelvis in the gantry of the CT scanner. If indicated, an IV contrast solution is started. Images of the abdomen and pelvis are obtained to demonstrate the presence of tumors, metastatic lesions, cysts, recurrent neoplasm or lymphadenopathy and the size and shape of ducts, vessels and abdominal and pelvic organs. An IV is needed for this test.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:
Scanning time is approximately 15 minutes.

CT of Extremities

PREPARATION: 
The patient may have clear liquids only (no solid food) 4 hours prior to exam.  Exceptions include patients who will not be given the IV contrast material.  All medications may be given.  Nursing units will be notified of the time the patient is scheduled. IV contrast material may cause vomiting.  The danger of vomiting and subsequent aspiration exists when patients are not properly prepared.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:
The patient is positioned on the CT table on their back with the area of interest positioned within the gantry of the scanner.  Images are obtained to demonstrate fractures, bone destruction, lesions or areas of infection.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Scanning time is approximately 15 minutes.

CT of Neck (Soft tissue, Pharynx, and Salivary Glands)

PREPARATION: 
The patient may have clear liquids only (no solid food) 4 hours prior to exam.  Exceptions include patients who will not be given the IV contrast material.  All medications may be given.  Nursing units will be notified of the time the patient is scheduled. IV contrast material may cause vomiting.  The danger of vomiting and subsequent aspiration exists when patients are not properly prepared.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is placed on their back on the CT table with the neck positioned within the CT gantry.  If indicated, an IV is started with contrast solution.  Images are obtained to demonstrate tumors, metastatic lesions, hemorrhage or calculi. 

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Scanning time is approximately 15 minutes.

CT of Chest (Mediastinum, Lungs, and Thorax)

PREPARATION: 
The patient may have clear liquids only (no solid food) 4 hours prior to exam.  Exceptions include patients who will not be given the IV contrast material.  All medications may be given.  Nursing units will be notified of the time the patient is scheduled. IV contrast material may cause vomiting.  The danger of vomiting and subsequent aspiration exists when patients are not properly prepared.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
Patients will be placed on their backs on the CT table with the chest in the gantry of the scanner.  If indicated, an IV is started which contrast solution is administered.  Images of the thorax are obtained to demonstrate the lungs, mediastinum, the heart and its vessels, tumors, metastatic lesions, aneurysms, lymphatics, etc.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Scanning time is approximately 15 minutes.

CT of Head (Brain, Orbits, Facial, Posterior Fossa, IAC's, Temporal Bone, and Sinuses)

PREPARATION: 
The patient may have clear liquids only (no solid food) 4 hours prior to exam.  Exceptions include patients who will not be given the IV contrast material.  All medications may be given.  Nursing units will be notified of the time the patient is scheduled. IV contrast material may cause vomiting.  The danger of vomiting and subsequent aspiration exists when patients are not properly prepared.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient is placed either on there back or stomach on the CT table with the head or neck positioned within the CT gantry.  If indicated, an IV is started with contrast solution.  Images are obtained to demonstrate CVA, hemorrhage, tumors, metastatic lesions, fractures or calculi. 

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
Scanning time is approximately 15 minutes.

CTA Abdomen/Pelvis CT for Endograft (Pre or Post)

PREPARATION: 
No oral contrast given.  No solid foods 4 hours prior to the exam, clear liquids are acceptable until exam time.  An IV will be started prior to the test.

EXAM DESCRIPTION: 
The patient's entire abdomen or thoracic aorta is scanned. The position will be placed on their back with their abdomen placed within the CT gantry.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED: 
20 minute scanning time.

CTA Cardiac/Coronary Artery

PREPARATION
History sheet must be filled out. 50 - 100 mg of Lopressor to be taken orally 90 minutes prior to the exam as indicated on the history sheet. Patient is to bring an additional 50 mg of Lopressor to the Hospital to be administered if Target Heart Rate is not obtained by the initial dose. IV beta-blocker may be needed if oral medication does not bring heart rate to 60 beats/min. The prep is necessary to avoid nausea from IV injection and obtain target heart rate.

Note:  Verapamil 180mg will be substituted for LoPressor if patient is asthmatic.

EXAM DESCRIPTION
An IV will be started where the iodinated contrast media can be administered. The patient will be connected to a heart monitor. The patient is placed on their back within the  CT gantry to obtain pictures of their heart.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED
The exam will take approximately ½ hour.

CTA of Head, Neck, Chest, Abdomen, Pelvis, Upper or Lower Extremity, Aorta, Abdominal Aorta Femoral Run-Off, Coronary Arteries

PREPARATION:
Clear liquids 4 hours prior to the test. The patient will need an IV started to receive IV contrast. Will also need current (within 30days) BUN and Creatinine (fax to 37029). Patient is to be on clear liquids prior to exam to prevent nausea and vomiting.

EXAM DESCRIPTION:
Imaging of appropriate arterial system.

LENGTH OF TIME INVOLVED:
Scanning time is 30 minutes.

Patient Instructions for Omnipaque 240 for Out Patients

If you have lab studies ordered, have fasting blood work drawn prior to starting your prep (PREFERABLY PRIOR TO THE DAY OF YOUR EXAM)
You may take all prescribed medications.  Diabetic patients are to remain off Metformin, or any Metformin products for 48 hours after the contrast injection for the CT Scan.
Do not eat solid food 4 hours prior to the exam time (you may have clear liquids such as coffee, tea, pop, etc.   NO DAIRY PRODUCTS.
If you have any questions, please call (989) 583-6198

The Omnipaque has absolutely no flavor.

A.M. Appointments:  (until 11:30 a.m.)

Drink ½ of the bottle mixed with 12-14 oz of any clear liquid 2 hours prior to bedtime the night before, but not after 10:00 p.m.
Drink the remainder of the bottle, mixed with 12-14 oz of any clear liquid 1 hour prior to the exam.

P.M. Appointments:

Drink ½ of the bottle mixed with 12-14 oz of any clear liquid 5 hours prior to the exam.
Drink the remainder of the bottle mixed with 12-14 oz of any clear liquid 1 hour prior to the exam.
You will be given 1 more glass of the Omnipaque solution at the time of your exam.  (If you would like to bring your favorite beverage with you to mix it with, you may do so.)