CT-scan

A CT scan (also called CAT or computed tomography) is a painless radiological examination in which images of the body are made in three dimensions (3D). The entire body can be examined in this way, e.g. CT brain, CT spine, CT hip, CT abdomen, etc.

This examination technique uses X-rays. You are placed in a device that detects and measures the transmitted radiation. A computer converts the captured signals into interpretable images that are viewed on a screen.

The use of X-rays is not without danger and therefore only professional supervisors and/or guardians of children (subject to the necessary precautions) are allowed in the examination room.

What are the possible discomforts and risks with a CT scan?

When IV contrast is injected, you may experience a sensation of warmth and sometimes a sensation of urination. You may also get a strange taste in your mouth or a tickle in your throat. This will disappear by itself after a few minutes.

What are the possible side effects of contrast agents?

Modern iodinated contrast agents are safe agents with only rare side effects. If you have an allergic reaction to iodinated contrast agents, you may temporarily suffer from:

• to sneeze
• bumps (like an insect bite)
• itch
• shortness of breath
• swelling of throat/eyes/lips
• decline in renal function

Known allergies must always be mentioned in advance. Please bring your allergy card if you have one.

If you know that you are hypersensitive or allergic to these products, be sure to mention this when making your appointment. If you suffer from iodine allergy, contrast examinations are only performed under strict conditions. The hypersensitivity to iodine is then suppressed with the help of medication. The preparation then takes 24 hours. In that case, the examination itself cannot be carried out on the same day.

For kidney patients, an attempt will first be made not to administer contrast material during this examination, as this can be harmful to the kidneys. If administration of this contrast agent is necessary, you will be admitted to the day hospital for a few hours to protect your kidneys for extra fluid administration both before and after the examination.

What about pregnancy?

X-rays can be harmful to the unborn child. If you are pregnant or could be, discuss with your doctor whether the examination can be postponed or should be replaced by another examination. Always report this to the medical imager before the examination.

Course

The examination

A CT scan is only performed based on a medical prescription. The examination cannot and may not legally proceed without a medical prescription from your referring doctor.

For a CT scan examination to proceed, you must make an appointment. This can be done every working day between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The secretary will inform you whether or not you need to fast for the examination. Please note that the investigation may start later than planned due to unforeseen circumstances.

Known allergies must be mentioned in advance. Please bring your allergy card if you have one.

On the day of your appointment, you can register directly at the Medical Imaging / Radiology desk with your identity card and medical prescription. After registration, the nurse will come and pick you up. You may be asked to drink a liquid (water or diluted contrast) while you wait.

You will be taken to a changing room by a medical imager. You will receive a brief explanation about the examination and will be asked to release the body part to be examined. We also ask you to remove all metal objects from this part of the body (jewelry, watches, piercings, etc.). If intravenous contrast material is required for the examination, an IV will be inserted into your arm.

The medical imager will take you to the examination room where you will lie on the examination table. You will then be placed in the device and the examination will begin.

The examination itself takes approximately two to ten minutes, depending on the type of examination and the body part.

Preparation time and aftercare can vary from 30 minutes to an hour.

After the examination

The radiologist will make a report of the examination. You will receive a code/link with which the images and the report can be viewed by yourself and the requesting doctor. The referring doctor will discuss the radiologic results with you.

It is useful to drink extra water (1 to 2 liters) after the examination to remove any contrast material as quickly as possible. If contrast has been administered by mouth or intestines, this can cause some degree of temporary diarrhea.