CT Scanning

What is CT Scanning?

A CAT scan is a test used by physicians to look at specific body organs, blood vessels, or bone. The images are obtained by using an x-ray tube with a computer. The images produced by the scan are like a loaf of bread with a series of slices.

What Can You Expect During the CT Scan?

Depending on what exam you are having, you may need to drink an oral contrast or receive an IV contrast during the exam. Our machine is shaped like a doughnut, not like a tube. Most exams are done within 30 minutes. You will receive a report a day or two after your exam. Nothing special has to be done after your exam is over. Driving will not be impaired. The only exception is for patients having a Bx, you must have a ride home after this exam.

For Your Personal Safety

  1. All patients 50 or above having an exam that requires the use of intravenous contrast will need laboratory tests including a bun., creatinine, and renal function tests.
  2. All diabetic patients that receive intravenous contrast and are taking Glucophage, Glucovance, Metformin, Metaglip or Avandament will receive special instructions. A patient will not be able to take these medicines for 48 hous after the exam is completed. The patient will be required to have a bun. and creatinie drawn in the laboratory before they may resume their diabetic medications.
  3. All patients with allergies to iodine or seafood will have to be premedicated. Please call the CT Department to get a prescription. Patients with severe allergic reactions (Anaphyulaxis) will not be given the IV contrast.

Instructions for you

A CAT Scan may be performed at Carteret General Hospital or at our Outpatient Clinic located on Arendell Street. Please take notice of your appointment location on the doctor's order.

  1. Virtual Colonoscopy:
    • A few days before your exam, bring your doctor’s order and come to the Radiology Department to pick up a preparation kit.
    • Follow the 24 hour preparation instructions.
    • Upon arrival in the Radiology Department on the day of your exam, you will be asked to wear a hospital gown.
    • A small rubber catheter is inserted into the rectum and air is used to outline the bowel.
    • A scan is completed with you lying on your back and then a second scan is completed with you lying on your stomach.
    • The procedure takes approximately 15 - 20 minutes.
    • No injections are necessary for this procedure.
  2. CT Angiograms:
    • You may not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your exam.
    • You can take medications with sips of water.
    • No oral contrast is necessary.
    • Exam should take about 30 minutes.
  3. Cardiac Scoring:
    • EKG leads are placed on your chest to determine when your heart is at rest.
    • The scanner takes a specific set of images thru the heart.
    • These images are sent to a post processing station to determine if there is any calcium in the cardiac vessels.
    • No preparation is needed.
  4. CT Brain With and Without Contrast:
    • You may not have any food or drink 6 hours prior to the test.
    • You may take medications with sips of water.
    • Exam takes about 25 minutes.
  5. CT Brain Without Intravenous Contrast
    • You may eat or drink whatever you like.
    • Exam takes about 15 minutes.
  6. CT Abdomen and Pelvis with IV and Oral Contrast
    • Bring you doctor's order to the hospital’s Radiology Department and pick up the oral contrast a day or two before your exam.
    • Laboratory work such as BUN & Creatinine can be drawn no more than 7 days prior to your CT or you may choose to do it when you pick up Readi-Cat oral contrast. The laboratory is located next door to the Radiology Department.
    • Refrigerating the Readi-Cat contrast prior to drinking it is recommended.
    • For morning appointments – Drink 1 bottle at bedtime the night before the appointment. On the day of the exam drink the second bottle 45 minutes prior to the appointment. All patients may take medications with small sips of water.
    • For afternoon appointments – Patient may have a light breakfast by 6 am. Drink 1 bottle of contrast 3 hours before the appointment. Drink the second bottle one hour prior to the appointment. All patients may take medications with small sips of water.
    • Exam should take about 30 minutes.
  7. CT Helical Scan for Renal Stone
    • You may eat or drink whatever you like prior to exam.
    • A KUB film will be done in x-ray.
    • Exam should take about 20 minutes.
  8. CT of the Chest with Intravenous Contrast
    • You may not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your exam.
    • You can take medications with sips of water.
    • Exam should take about 25 minutes.
  9. CT of Chest Without IV Contrast or High Resolution Scan
    • You may eat or drink whatever you like prior to the exam.
    • Exam should take about 20 minutes.
  10. CT of Helical Chest for Pulmonary Embolis
    • You may not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your exam.
    • You can take medications with sips of water.
    • Exam should take about 25 minutes.
  11. CT Extremities (All are done without IV contrast)
    • You may eat or drink whatever you like prior to the exam.
    • Please bring or send any x-rays that have been done at the doctor's office.
    • Exam should take about 30 minutes.
  12. CT Maxiofacial and Soft Tissue of the Neck with IV Contrast
    • You may not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your exam.
    • You can take medications with sips of water.
    • Exam should take about 25 minutes.
  13. CT Guided Biopsy
    • Biopsy must be approved by Radiologist prior to scheduled date.
    • You may not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior to your exam.
    • You can take medications with sips of water.
    • You are required to be at the hospital 1 hour prior to the exam to get necessary laboratory work and complete paperwork.
    • You will stay at the hospital for a couple hours after the exam for observation.
    • Exam should take about 1 hour.
  14. CT Spines
    • You may eat or drink whatever you like prior to the exam.
    • Exam should take about 25 minutes.

Your CT appointment

Please call if you have any questions:
Carteret General Hospital CT Department 808-6169
Outpatient Clinic CT Department 808-6010
Radiology Department 808-6154
Scheduling 808-6200

Our hours are from 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday