Computed Tomography (CT) uses X-Rays in very fine slices through the body to be able to see all the inside structures of the body in great detail. These sliced images are then processed by the radiographer to give the radiologist a full look at specific parts of the body your doctor has requested for imaging.

Our CT scanners are capable of taking your pictures in a shorter scanning time, allowing us to provide the lowest possible radiation dose for all of our CT scans. This technology also means we can provide dynamic scanning of some body parts, which can make a moving image for your doctor to see how a joint functions from the inside. They are capable of taking clearer images of body parts with metal implants using a special technology to remove metal blurring from your images.

We will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the examination and sign a consent form to the contrast injection that you may need for your examination. If you have had an adverse reaction to a previous contrast injection or other drugs, or, if you have poor renal function, please let us know.

You will need to book an appointment for a CT scan as you may need to undergo a preparation for your exam. Some exams will require you to fast (stop eating) for a certain number of hours before the test, and some will require you to drink water before your exam.

Please contact our friendly reception staff and they can help you by providing the correct preparation information for your scan. Some exams will require an injection into a vein of an iodinated contrast (dye); the radiographer will discuss what will happen during a contrast injection when you arrive on the day.

Remember to please bring any previous films with you for comparison.

Spine, Bones and Joints:
No preparation required.

Head and Chest:
Fast 4 hours.

Abdomen and Pelvis:
Fast 4 hours. One hour before your examination time drink 1 litre of water/oral contrast over 30 minutes.

CT Angiography:
Fast 4 hours.

CT Enteroclysis:
Fast 12 hours, but drink water as required for thirst. After you arrive you will be given a mannitol (sugar) drink which will fill your stomach and small bowel. The scan is done when this has reached the large bowel, usually 30–60 minutes after drinking.

You will be asked to lie on the CT table, and depending on the exam, you may be given breathing instructions during the scan. If you are having a contrast injection, the radiographer will let you know before the injection starts and keep an eye on you throughout your scan for any problem. The contrast may give you a warm feeling in the body and a metallic taste in the mouth, which will go away within a minute or so. If you know that you have had a previous allergic reaction to iodine contrast, please let your doctor and the radiographer know before having this test.

In general, a CT scan will take anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on what your doctor has requested.

After the preparation, the scan itself takes only a couple of seconds. However, including positioning, etc, it takes about 10–15 minutes.

You may not be able to have the contrast injection if you have had a reaction to a previous injection, or have poor renal function.

Drink plenty of water for 24 hours to flush out the contrast from the system.

Most people will have no effects after having a CT at all, and you can return to eating and drinking normally if you had to fast beforehand. A very small number of people may develop an allergic reaction to the contrast (less than 3% of people who have the contrast injection). For more information regarding injection of contrast, please go to Inside Radiology.

CT uses x-rays, which contain ionising radiation, in a controlled environment. All of our radiographers are fully trained and qualified in using ionising radiation, and work under the principle of ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable). Our machine employs ultra low dose techniques to acquire images to reduce radiation exposure during a CT scan. Many of the scans can provide images at doses smaller than some x-ray procedures.

If you are pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, please let your doctor and the radiographer who will be doing your scan know. In most cases, CT is not appropriate for pregnant women, and is often only done in emergency situations. Your doctor and the radiologist can discuss if there is a more appropriate test for you during pregnancy. For more information about radiation risk of CT, please go to Inside Radiology.

It is important that you make an appointment to return to your doctor after you have collected your examination result. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to correlate with other information for further management.

Your result will include a copy of the images from your study as well as a report from our radiologist.

Depending on your referrer’s preference(s), a copy of the report can also be sent to your referring doctor by fax or electronic download.

Digital copies of all studies are stored on our secured database for comparison with any future examinations.

If your examination requires fasting, then book an early morning appointment and have your breakfast and diabetic medication after the examination.

If your examination will require an intravenous injection of contrast medium, we need to know your renal function. Please bring along the results of your most recent blood test with creatinine and GFR level.