What is Computed Tomography (CT)?
CAT scans, most often referred to as CT scans, are of significant value when a physician is concerned with the proper diagnosis of his or her patient. They were introduced to the medical world in the 1970s and have made incredible strides since that time.

Originally 2-dimensional information was gained one slice at a time. These days, CT scanners are often referred to as volume scanners because they scan in a large set of slices. This volume scanning decreases the amount of scanning time required, while the pictures remain amazingly detailed.

With this precise information, the physician can more properly track changes or disorders in a patient and more accurately prescribe a course of treatment.

Before Your Exam
Your doctor may request a different preparation than the following, but unless your doctor has given you other instructions:

• Do not eat or drink two hours before the exam.
• Continue to take any prescribed medication unless instructed otherwise
• Notify the Technologist if you may be pregnant, breast-feeding or are diabetic
• Remove all metal in the area being scanned -- this includes hairpins, hearing aids, jewelry, snaps and zippers.
• If you are diabetic, please be sure to tell the technologist the type of medication you use to control your diabetes or kidney functions. Patients that are diabetic or above 70 years of age need blood tests for BUN and Creatine.

If you have any questions, please call us at (206) 292-7734 and we will be happy to assist you.

What to Expect During and After Your Office Visit

'Wow that was quick'
A CT scan is completely painless and is typically a very fast scan. You will likely only be on the scanning table for a few minutes.

Any Allergies
Some CT scans require a contrast material to help your doctor see the detail necessary for a correct diagnosis. Because contrast agents contain a form of iodine, it is important to tell the technologist if you have had an allergic reaction to this type of agent in the past.

After the exam
You should be able to return to normal activities immediately following your exam. Meanwhile the images from your exam will be interpreted by a specialized radiologist and shared with your doctor. Your doctor and the radiologist may have several conversations to discuss the scan results and next steps before your doctor discusses the results with you.

Questions about radiation?

Seattle Radiologists has long been a leader in protecting patients radiation dangers inherent in medical imaging. Read more about ways we protect patients, including our use of ASiR, a technology that allows us to deliver up to 40 percent less radiation per exam.