Computed Tomography, oftentimes referred to as "CT" or "CAT" scan, is an effective diagnostic tool that can see into areas of the body that cannot be seen on regular x-ray examinations.  The CT scanner is a doughnut-shaped machine that uses advanced x-ray technology to take pictures of cross-sections of your body, called "slices."  If you were to think of yourself as being a loaf of bread lying on the exam table, the CT scanner makes pictures like the slices in the loaf. 

CT makes it possible to diagnose certain diseases earlier and more accurately than with other imaging tools. Because most diseases are better treated when found early, CT scans can help save lives. 

To learn more about the CT services provided by Emory Crawford Long radiology, please click on the links below:

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FAQ's about CT

Hours of operation:

Please call the department to check service times and availability.

Schedule an appointment:

To schedule an appointment, please call 404-686-XRAY (404-686-9729).

Services and how to prepare for a CT

Below is a list of the various areas of the body commonly scanned using CT technology.  To streamline your visit, and to ensure the most accurate results from your CT, please keep in mind the following services we provide and how you should prepare for them:

CT scan of head

CT scan of neck

CT scan of chest

CT scan of arms or legs

CT scan of abdomen

CT scan of pelvis

CT scan of spine

CT  scan of head

CT scan of chest:

• Begin a clear liquid diet after midnight prior to your exam.  Clear liquids are coffee, tea, colas, Jello, broth, etc.  Do not drink milk or have any dairy products before exam.
• Take any medications you would normally take.
• For chest/T-spine scans, remove all zippers, metal snaps, necklaces and metal buttons. 
• IV contrast media may be used, depending on the reason for the exam.  If IV contrast is given, you will be asked to change into a gown.  
• During the exam, you will be lying on your back. 
• The exam usually takes less than 20 minutes to complete.  

CT Abdomen:

• Begin a clear liquid diet after midnight prior to your exam.  Clear liquids are coffee, tea, colas, Jello, broth, etc.  Four hours prior to your test, do not eat anything.
• Take medications as usual.
• These scans usually require you to drink an oral contrast.
• You may pick up the contrast and drink before arriving for your exam, or you may drink the contrast when you arrive in the department.  
• If you do not drink the oral contrast ahead of time, you will need to drink the contrast when you arrive.  This will take at least one hour. 
  • You may pick up the oral contrast from the CT department, or your doctor's office may dispense contrast. 
  • If an IV is needed for your test, it will be started before you get on the CT scanner.
• During the exam, you will be lying on your back.
• The exam usually takes less than 20 minutes to complete.  

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Instructions for oral contrast drink:

• You will be given two packets of dry contrast. 
• Mix each packet with 16 ounces of water.
• The mixture tastes best if extremely cold.
• If your test is scheduled before 10 a.m.:
  • Drink one cup of contrast between 10 and 11 p.m. the day before your test is scheduled. 
  • Drink the second cup 2 hours before your scheduled test time.
• If your test scheduled after 10 a.m.:
  • Drink one cup of contrast four hours before test.
  • Drink the second cup of contrast two hours before test. 
• You will drink one more cup of contrast before the actual scan.  You will be given that cup in the waiting room.   

• There is no diet preparation necessary
• IV contrast media may be given, depending on the reason for the exam.
• During the exam, you will be lying on your back.
• The exam usually takes less than 20 minutes.
• For any questions about Computed Tomography at Emory Crawford Long Hospital, please call 404-686-XRAY (404-686-9729).
  
   

• Do not eat anything for four hours before the test, however, you may have clear liquids.
• Take medications as usual.
• Do not drink any oral contrast.
• Please bring a list of any medications you are taking -- prescription as well as over-the-counter medications.
• If you are taking Glucophage, please tell the technologist before your test.
• If you are, or think you could be pregnant, please tell someone BEFORE preparing for the test.
• If you are allergic to iodine, please mention this at the time of scheduling because you may need to be pre-medicated at least 24 hours before your test.
• If you are nursing, please do not breast-feed for 48 hours after your procedure if you received IV contrast material. Your baby may be allergic to iodine and you would have no way of knowing this. For any questions about Computed Tomography at Emory Crawford Long Hospital, please call 404-686-XRAY (404-686-9729).
   

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For a CT guided procedure: biopsy, drainage, Radiofrequency ablation:

The week before:

• Two days before procedure stop taking any aspirin, aspirin products (i.e. Bufferin, Excedrin, Ecotrin) or non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory medications (i.e. Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naprosyn), 2 days before procedure.  It is okay to take Tylenol. 
• If you take Coumadin (Warfarin), Heparin, Lovenox or any other blood thinner, stop taking these products at least 7 days before procedure.  A blood test (PT, PTT, INR) will be drawn on the day of the test to make sure unnecessary complications do not occur.  
• If you have taken your blood thinner within 7 days of your test, call 404-686-XRAY (9729) and tell them because the procedure may need to be rescheduled.On the day of your test, if the labs that we draw have abnormal results, the test will be rescheduled.  On the day of the rescheduled test, more labs will be drawn to determine if labs are within normal limits.

The night before:

• Do not eat or drink anything from Midnight the night before.
• Take any medication as usual.

The day of the procedure:

• The morning of the procedure, do not eat or drink anything.
• Take medications as ususal with small sips of water.
• Make sure you have someone to drive you home.  If you do not have a ride home, you will not have your procedure.  You may NOT take a taxi, MARTA, or drive yourself home.
• Please bring a list of medications you are taking and a list of any allergies you have. Bring any outside films, if you have them.
• Report directly to the ground floor of the hospital to the radiology department.  You will then be taken to the PPCA and prepared for your test.  This will include labs, vital signs, medical history, an IV and a short consultation with the radiologist.  Please write down any questions you have, and they will be answered during the consultation time.
• Results from biopsies and samples will take approximately 3-5 days and will reported to your referring physician.
• Although usually an outpatient procedure, sometimes an overnight admission is required for Radiofrequency ablation. 

For any questions about Computed Tomography at Emory Crawford Long Hospital, please call 404-686-XRAY (404-686-3189).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why am I having this exam?

Computed Tomography (CT) is a painless, sophisticated x-ray procedure that uses a computer to provide images of soft tissue, bone, and blood vessels.

CT and MRI differ in two basic ways. CT uses x-rays to detect and record the radiation absorbed by different tissues, and sends the data to a computer to transform into images. MRI does not use x-rays. Instead, MRI employs a powerful magnetic field to monitor the nuclei of hydrogen atoms in water, the most abundant element in the body. When subjected to the magnetic field of an MRI, the hydrogen protons are knocked out of alignment and emit a radiofrequency signal that is detected by the MRI machine, which then processes the signals into images.

CT scans usually show little differentiation in soft tissues, but highlight solid structures, like calcium deposits or kidney stones. MRI scans emphasize detailed tissue structures due to differences in water content.

The exam itself takes 1-2 minutes. The preparation, scout imaging, registration and possible IV access can take from 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Will I need an IV?
In most cases, as IV will be necessary to administer contrast media. When a contrast agent is required, it is because the radiologist and referring physician determine that it is necessary for diagnosis. Contrast agents are considered to be safe and side effects are uncommon. The benefits associated with the improved imaging of particular organs generally outweigh the low risk of allergic reaction.

 Depending on the reason for the exam, about 50% of the time rectal contrast is necessary.  A rectal contrast may be necessary in order to obtain optimal results for scans of the rectum and lower colon.  In the lower part of the pelvis, there are many structures close together.  If you just drank an oral contrast, the contrast may not have reached the lower part of your pelvis by the time of your exam, and therefore, the results may not be as good as when a rectal contrast is used.  

Does CT imaging hurt?

CT imaging itself is painless, but you will be required to remain motionless during the exam, and for some patients, this can cause discomfort.  The actual scan causes no sensation.  
 

Patients typically do not have any adverse reactions to the exam, but some patients who have recieved oral contrast experience nausea or diarrhea.

Yes. You will be able to drive immediately following the exam.  

How and when will I receive my results?
You will need to contact your referring physician for your results.  They usually have results in 24-hours, unless further tests are indicated for definitive diagnosis.

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