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CT stands for “computed tomography,” taken from the Greek word “tomos” meaning “to cut” or ““to slice.” CT uses ordinary X-rays coupled with special detectors and a powerful computer, to create images which appear as sections or slices of the body.
“Thanks to all of you for taking such good care of my father in every way, from the moment we pulled up in front and you met us at the car. Your caring, professional attitude is appreciated.”
The earliest CT scanners required as long as two minutes to produce a single, very blurry section of the body. Our 16-slice CT “multidetector” scanner can produce multiple, highly-detailed sections in less than one second. Early CT scanners were able to “slice” the body in only one direction, while newer ones, called “helical” CT scanners, can “slice” the body in many different ways, and can even produce three dimensional images. In CT technology, “multidetector” scanners can produce even more detailed 2-D and 3-D images than were ever before possible, and in much less time. The increased speed of these newer machines often allows for a significant reduction in the amount of intravenous contrast material required for an exam (see below for more about contrast material). River Radiology installed the first multidetector CT scanner in a private facility in Ulster County.
CT scanners can be used to evaluate almost any part of the
body for a variety of different problems. Some examples
are:
 Head & Neck: CT can be used to evaluate the brain for strokes, headaches, or injury. It can also be used to evaluate the sinuses, facial bones, and structures of the neck.
Chest: CT is excellent for evaluating the lungs for infection, emphysema, tumors, and other conditions.
Abdomen
& Pelvis: CT is extremely useful for visualizing all
organs of the abdomen and pelvis, and is often performed
to evaluate the possibility of appendicitis, diverticulitis,
kidney disease, liver or gall bladder disease, etc.
Spine:
CT is very helpful in evaluation of spinal fractures, and
can also be used to evaluate disc herniations and other
causes of neck and back pain.
Blood vessels: A type of CT scan can be performed for visualization of arteries or veins; it is called CT Angiography (CTA). The latest multidetector CT scanners produce the most accurate CTA examinations.
With the latest multidetector CT scanners, most examinations take less than 10-15 minutes, but allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour for appointment time. You will be asked to lie on a comfortable table, which will slide into the opening of the machine, and you will move through the opening as your body is being scanned. For exams requiring IV contrast, no solid foods are allowed for 4 hours prior to your exam, and a nurse or technologist will start a temporary IV in your arm. For abdominal and pelvic exams, you may be asked to drink a diluted barium solution, beginning approximately 1 hour before your appointment time.
Intravenous contrast material is an organic compound containing Iodine, which greatly improves the visualization of blood vessels and many organs on a CT scan. IV contrast material is not usually required for spinal exams, but is often necessary for proper evaluation of the head, chest, abdomen and pelvis. (If you are diabetic and taking Glucophage (metformin), Glucovance, Riomet, Metaglip or Advandamet and have been scheduled for a CT scan, please phone for special instructions.) Orally administered contrast material (a dilute barium solution) is usually necessary for CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis, where it aids in visualization of the gastrointestinal tract.
“The technician wasn’t annoyed by our questions. He was professional and caring, and gave us the time we needed. I really appreciated all the friendly staff.”
If your examination requires intravenous contrast material, you will be asked to drink 4-6 cups of clear liquid (fruit juice, soda, coffee, water) beginning 4 hours before your exam. You may take regular medications, but eat no solid food during that time. For examinations of the abdomen and pelvis, you will also need to drink a dilute barium solution (oral contrast material) beginning 1 hour prior to your exam. (You can stop by our office anytime before your appointment, to pick up this solution.)
CT scanning uses X-rays, and the amount of radiation exposure
is similar to that of many ordinary X-ray examinations.
The risk from this amount of radiation is minimal for most
people, but can be more for a fetus. CT scanning is therefore
not usually performed on pregnant women, unless absolutely
necessary. Intravenous contrast material can cause allergic
reactions in some people. These reactions are usually minor
(such as a temporary skin rash or hives) and require little
or no treatment; more serious reactions are very rare.
In most cases, reports are provided within two business
days.
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