What is a CT scan?
Computerised Tomography (CT) uses X-ray images and a computer to create pictures of sections of your body. Qscan uses a state-of-the-art multidetector CT for very short scan times and excellent image quality.
You will lie on a flat bed which moves slowly in and out of a short tunnel which houses the xrays and detectors.
How do I prepare for my CT scan?
Metal objects such as watches, keys, coins and jewellery can affect the images and will have to be removed. You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes.
For some scans, it may be necessary to drink a liquid prior to the scan which will help the Qscan staff see areas such as bowel more clearly, and also show how some organs are working. If you are having one of these scans, Qscan staff will give you precise instructions and give you the appropriate liquid to drink for your test.
What happens during my CT scan?
You will be asked to lie down on the scanner table, which moves slowly into the centre of the scanner machine, allowing the part of the body to be scanned to be positioned between the x-rays and detectors within the machine.
The CT scanner is NOT a long, narrow tunnel. It is more of a doughnut with large hole. Many examinations will not require you to even put your head inside but if the scan is of your head, face or neck your head may need to go in a short distance. There is a lot of room inside the gantry. It is quite rare for people to feel very confined within our CT scanner.
Others will leave the room during your scan because CT uses radiation. Qscan CT staff will control the movement of scanning table from behind a screen, but they will see you and hear you at all times. You will receive instructions from the Qscan CT staff about breathing and positioning for the scan.
For some scans it will be necessary to inject a special liquid called "contrast" through your veins, to improve visualisation of structures within your body. If you are having a contrast injection, you might feel a temporary flush or warm feeling over your body. A small percentage of people may also feel temporary nausea, but generally these feelings pass quickly.
How long does a CT scan take?
The actual scan may only take a matter of seconds, but more time will be taken to position you and the scanning equipment for picture accuracy and quality, such that the scan make take up to 20 minutes. Lying still may be uncomfortable for a long period of time, and you will be able to talk to the Qscan CT staff at all times. The majority of scans will require you to be on the table for between 5 and 10 minutes.
When the test is over, it may be necessary to wait while the images are reviewed to see if more are needed.
What are the risks of a CT scan?
Radiation
CT scans use x-rays which will expose your body to a low level of radiation. This level of radiation will depend on the number of images taken. The level of radiation will be kept to a minimum.
The increase in the risk of cancer as a result of the exposure of the levels of radiation you receive in a CT scan is unknown, but is considered by experts to be very small.
This very low risk is outweighed by the benefits of the information provided by the CT scan. No radiation remains after the test.
If you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant, tell your doctor and Qscan staff, as X-rays can affect an unborn baby.
It may be necessary to administer intrvenous contrast for your scan and it is important to tell your doctor and Qscan staff if you have diabetes or kidney problems before your scan, as contrast may further decrease your kidney function. When you make a booking for a scan that will require IV contrast you will be asked for your age and whether you are diabetic. If you are over 60 or diabetic we will need the results of a recent blood test that shows your kidney function. If you have not had one within the past few months we will ask you to get your doctor to write you a referral for a blood test or you can come to see us and we will provide you with one. We need to establish that your kidneys work well before we give you an injection of contrast. It is also important that you are well hydrated so we will ask you to drink at least 1 litre of water prior to coming in for your scan.
In a small number of people contrast may cause a contrast reaction, which may range from a rash to much more rarely, facial swelling or breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions may be treated with medication at time of the test. Please let your doctor and Qscan staff know if you have asthma or have had any previous allergic reactions.
What are the benefits of a CT scan?
X-rays are an effective, fast and accurate way of evaluating internal parts of your body such as bones, blood vessels and lungs and to assess any structural abnormalities of your organs.
Who does the CT scan and report?
The person who operates the CT scan is the Radiographer. The person who views the scan images and interprets them is a specialist doctor - a Radiologist. The Qscan radiologist provides a written report to your referring doctor.
What are the costs of an CT scan?
The cost of your CT scan depends on a number of factors.
When booking an appointment at Qscan you should ask about any costs to you.
Where is a CT scan done?
Your CT can be performed at any of the following Qscan Radiology Clinics; Windsor, Annerley, Mater, Everton Park or Cleveland. Each clinic is equipped with a highly sophisticated CT scanner and state-of-the-art safety equipment.
When can I expect the results of my CT scan?
Your CT scan will be digitally recorded on computer and/or film. At Qscan Radiology Clinics, an expert radiologist interprets these images and provides a report for your doctor - this will occur on the day of your scan and your doctor will indicate how he would like to access the report.
You may need to make an appointment to discuss the results with your doctor.
Many patients who come for a CT scan prefer to take their films away with them on the day and have us fax the results thorugh to their referring doctor. We are quite happy to do this in most instances and the majority of films will take less than 15 minutes to prepare. Certain examinations will require some hours of post processing and delivery of films and report to your doctor may be more convenient. You are also more than welcome to return at a later time to pick up the films and report yourself.
Where can I find further information?
If you would like to know more about CT scans, ask the staff at Qscan Radiology Clinics at Windsor.
Feel free to discuss any questions or concerns about having an X-ray with the Qscan staff or your doctor.
Who is involved in my CT scan?
Qscan Radiology Clinics is staffed by world-class radiologists and radiographers.
Qscan is fortunate to be staffed by outstanding CT radiographers, all of whom are accredited and have undergone extensive training.
One of the Qscan radiologists will view the images produced from the test and provide a report for your referring doctor.