Computed Tomography Scan

We use a series of X-ray images to produce a clear picture of a part of your body.

What we do

A computed tomography (CT) Scan, also called a CAT scan, uses a series of X-ray images to produce a detailed picture of body parts, such as bones, muscles, organs or blood vessels.

CT scans give more detailed images than regular X-rays.

Physicians use CT scans to quickly check for internal injuries, diagnose muscle and bone disorders, detect and monitor disease and pinpoint the location of a tumour, infection or blood clots.

During your scan, you will lie on a table attached to a large, cylinder-shaped machine, called a CT scanner. The scanner rotates around you taking X-rays of the area being examined. Each rotation takes less than a second. The information is sent to a computer that creates a 3D picture displayed on a screen.

It is important you stay very still during the scan to avoid blurry images.

We offer the following types of CT scans:

Abdominal and pelvic CT scans
Chest CT scans
Head and neck CT scans
Musculoskeletal CT scans
Virtual colonoscopy

What to expect

Before your appointment

Please arrive 15 minutes early. If you are late, your appointment may be rescheduled. When you arrive, check in at the medical imaging reception desk

Before your CT scan, you might be given contrast dye, which can be injected into your veins (intravenously) or taken orally. Contrast dye is a material that changes the way an imaging device, like a CT scan or X-ray, sees parts of your body. It is usually safe, but there is a small risk of allergic reaction. If you are allergic to contrast dye or have kidneys issues, please tell our receptionist when you book your appointment.

We may recommend taking medication such as steroid or antihistamine before the exam. If you need a steroid, you will need to get a prescription from your physician.

If you have diabetes or kidney disease and need contrast dye, you will need blood work, including a serum creatinine test. Your referring physician should make sure that you have had blood work done within three months before your CT scan. If you have not had a blood test recently, or if your blood work does not have the information we need, our receptionist or technologist may ask you to return to your referring physician to arrange for a blood test. Your CT scan will be rebooked accordingly.

If you require contrast dye, and a health-care worker has had difficulties finding your veins for injections in the past, please let us know ahead of your appointment.

If you require a patient lift to get from a wheelchair to a bed, or if you require more than one person to assist you when getting on and off a bed, please let us know ahead of your appointment.

Please follow any specific preparation instructions you have been given. If you wish to have another doctor get the results, please let our receptionist know before your test.

At your appointment

Your appointment length depends on the type of CT scan you are getting. Most exams take from 10 to 30 minutes.

Our team tries to stay on time, but your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. It is a good idea to be prepared in case your appointment runs late.

Note that female patients aged 10 to 55 will be asked if there is any chance of pregnancy.

You cannot wear jewelry for the scan. If we are scanning above your neck, you may also need to remove dentures, hearing aids, hairpins or wigs.

You might be asked to wear a hospital gown, if necessary.

After your appointment

If you had to drink barium or were injected with contrast dye, drink lots of fluid over the next 24 hours to help your body flush these out, unless your fluids are restricted.

Call your referring physician if you notice a change in how much you urinate, or if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching or swelling of your skin.

A report will be sent to your physician within 10 days.