Ultrafast Computed Tomography Scan

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - The ultrafast CT scanner is located in a large room. A narrow table slides into the hollow tube-shaped scanner. You may have an IV line for contrast medication. The contrast medication may be injected prior to the procedure or during the procedure. The CT physician and staff will be in an adjacent room where the equipment controls are located. However, they will be able to see you through a large window and will be monitoring you constantly during the procedure. You will be given a call bell device so that you can let the staff know if you need anything during the procedure. Speakers are located inside the scanner so that you can hear instructions from the CT staff and they can hear you.
  
  
• Anesthesia - None required.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  • After the IV is started (if necessary), you will lie on the narrow table of the scanner.
    
    
  • You will be positioned by a staff member.
    
    
  • You will be given a call bell to hold in your hand so that you can notify the staff if you need assistance.
    
    
  • If you are feeling claustrophobic or anxious, you may be given oxygen for comfort.
    
    
  • Once you are positioned correctly, the table will slide slowly into the scanner. Your arms will be at your sides. You will be in a small enclosed space; however, both ends are open, and there will be light inside the tube.
    
    
  • Once inside the scanner, the staff will give you instructions through the speakers. You will hear clicking noises as preliminary adjustments are made.
    
    
  • Once the procedure begins, you will need to be very still at all times so that movement will not adversely affect the quality of the images.
    
    
  • At intervals, you will be instructed to hold your breath, or to not breathe, for a few seconds. You will then be told when you can breathe. You should not have to hold your breath for longer than a few seconds, so this should not be uncomfortable.
    
    
  • If the ultrafast CT scan is being done "with and without contrast," you will receive contrast medication through your IV about halfway through the procedure. You may feel some pressure at the IV site when this happens. If you feel any stinging, burning, or pain at the site, let the staff know, as this may indicate that the medication did not go into your vein but rather into the surrounding tissue. You may feel warm or flushed just after the dye goes into your vein - this is normal and will go away shortly.
    
    
  • Once the procedure is finished, the table will slide out of the scanner. You will be assisted in getting up. If an IV was inserted, it will be taken out.
    
    
  • You may be asked to wait for a short time while the radiologist reviews the scans to make sure they are clear and complete. If the scans are not sufficient to obtain adequate information, you may have additional scanning done.
    
    
  • Once the scanning has been completed, you may dress, if necessary, gather your personal belongings, and leave, if you have not received sedation.
    
    
• Procedure Time - The test usually takes a few minutes. However, unforeseen circumstances such as scheduling delays or inadequate scan quality necessitating repeat scans may delay the procedure start time or length.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - You will be allowed to leave after the procedure is completed and resume normal activities, unless your physician instructs you otherwise.
  
  
• Length of stay - None.
  
  
• Recuperation time - None.
  
  
• Outcome - Ultrafast CT scans may be ordered to confirm or rule-out a particular diagnosis being investigated. Additional tests or procedures may be scheduled, depending on the ultrafast CT results.

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