CT
A CT (computed tomography) scan is a type of x-ray that creates 3-dimensional images of your body. The CT machine moves in a circular motion around you and takes x-rays of very thin slices of your body to create a cross-sectional image.
These images are very detailed and demonstrate a wide range of structures within the body including bone, lungs, soft tissues and blood vessels.
CT is used for a range of purposes including:
- Diagnosing diseases or disorders of the brain, face, sinuses, neck, spine, chest, lungs, abdomen & pelvis
- Diagnosing fractures or tumours in the bones
- Diagnosing vascular disorders
- Identifying sources of pain and trauma
- Planning appropriate treatment for oncology or orthopaedic patients
- Guiding biopsies and other minimally invasive pain management procedures
General contrast & non-contrast examinations
- CT of brain, orbits, IAM’s, face, sinuses, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine & extremities
- CT angiography or venography of brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis & extremities
- CT calcium scoring
- CT skeletal survey
- CT leg length
- CT dentascan
- Pre-orthopaedic surgical intervention scans
CT guided interventional procedures
- Spinal injections
- Occipital nerve injections
- Shoulder, hip, knee or ankle injections
Depending on the type of examination you are referred for, additional preparation may be required. Our booking consultants will advise you if any preparation is required when scheduling your appointment.
We ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time to complete any relevant paperwork.
Please advise our staff if you have had any previous reactions to iodinated contrast, suffer from diabetes or renal impairment, or if you are pregnant or currently breastfeeding.
For your comfort during the examination, we recommend you remove any jewellery from your body and to wear loose fitting clothing without metal buttons, buckles, fasteners or zippers, as metal objects interfere with the scan. A gown will be provided if clothing needs to be removed.
You will be asked to lie on a long table that will move through the doughnut-shaped CT scanner. The CT scanner is not an enclosed tunnel and for most examinations your head will remain outside of the machine. As the table moves you through the circular opening, the scanner will take x-ray images. For certain examinations, you may be required to hold your breath for a few seconds.
In some cases, an iodine-based contrast may be recommended to improve the scan’s accuracy. This is injected through an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in your hand or arm.
- Your original referral from your doctor
- Medicare and any Government concession pension or health care cards
- Previous relevant imaging and recent blood test results
You will receive a safe dose of x-ray radiation.
Problems related to the contrast injection are very rare but can occur. The injection will be discussed prior to the examination, and you will be asked to complete a questionnaire and provide consent.
Please allow approximately 15-30 minutes. Each examination varies in length, depending on the complexity of your scan.
