CT Scan

HCI offers a GE multi detector CT scanner which provides outstanding high resolution images of your body in a short period of time. Our highly trained technologists can perform multi planar and 3D reconstructions of your study when requested by your referring physician.

Depending on the type of exam, your CT scan can take anywhere from 10-15 minutes.

Preparation

Preparation for your CT will depend on the type of exam to be performed.

Specific Preparations

Abdomen/Pelvis 
Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 2 hours before exam. Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 1 hour before exam. No solid food should be eaten for 4 hours before the exam. Clear liquids may be consumed. 

Brain/Head with contrast 
No solid foods for 4 hours before exam. Clear liquids may be consumed. 

Brain/Head without contrast 
No preparation is required. 

Brain/Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis 
Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 2 hours before exam. Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 1 hour before exam. No solid food should be eaten for 4 hours before the exam. Clear liquids may be consumed. 

Cervical Spine  
No preparation is required. 

Chest/Thorax  
No solid foods for 4 hours before exam. Clear liquids may be consumed. 

Chest/Abdomen  
Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 2 hours before exam. Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 1 hour before exam. No solid food should be eaten for 4 hours prior to exam. Clear liquids may be consumed. 

Arms/Legs  
No preparation is required. 

Internal Auditory Canal  
Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to exam. 

Kidneys- Renal Stone Exam  
No preparation is required. 

Lumbar Spine 
No preparation is required. 

Neck (soft tissue)  
Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours prior to exam. 

Neck/Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis  
Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 2 hours prior to exam. Drink 1/2 bottle of barium 1 hour prior to exam. No solid food should be eaten for 4 hours prior to the exam. Clear liquids may be consumed. 

Orbits 
Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam. 

Parotid Gland  
Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours prior to the exam.

Sinuses - Thoracic Spine
No preparation is required

Some CT studies require administration of iodinated contrast material to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. In this instance, you are given an I.V. in your hand or arm. Once the contrast is injected, you may feel a warm, flushed sensation, and experience a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for about two minutes. Please inform our technologist or staff if you have any type of allergies to iodine or seafood prior to any injection.