The CT scanner uses X-rays and a powerful computer to produce high resolution images of structures within your body. Thin slices of less than 1mm are acquired at the time of scanning. Later this information can be manipulated to produce images in multiple anatomical planes.
CT scanning has a variety of uses which include diagnosis of conditions affecting internal organs, accurate visualisation of bone fractures and details of veins and arteries. The scanner can also be used to guide therapeutic procedures, such as pain relieving. This enables the Doctor to accurately deliver pain controlling medication to areas such as spinal nerves and bone joints.
CT scans are fast and painless, with many examinations taking only a few minutes to perform. Some scans requires special preparations or injections to improve diagnostic accuracy This can mean that your appointment may require you to be in the clinic for up to 1 hour.
Our CT scanner is located at the Cavendish Clinic, opening times are Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Some CT scans require special preparation before the examination. This may involve fasting, drinking fluids or stopping some medications. Occasionally some patients require blood tests before the scan can be performed. Our staff will advise you of any specific preparation at the time of booking.
Appointments are required for some examinations. When contacting us, our reception staff may ask you to fax or e-mail your request form to us. This is to ensure your booking is made at an appropriate time and that we can perform the test that your referring Doctor has asked for.
Please Note: Women should always inform their physician or Radiographer if there is any possibility that they may be pregnant. Many imaging tests are not performed during pregnancy because radiation can be harmful to the baby. If a CT scan is necessary, precautions will be taken to minimise radiation exposure to the baby.
There is no surcharge for CT scans covered by ACC. Private patients are requested to make payment on the day of the scan, or have prior approval from your insurance company. Please read our Accounts and Surcharges page for more information.
You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothes and to wear a gown during the examination. You may also be asked to remove jewellery, eye glasses and any metal objects or clothing that might interfere with the CT scan images.
A radiographer trained in CT scanning will perform your examination. If you are having a pain relieving procedure, such as a steroid injection this will be performed by our Radiologist.
You will be required to lie on the CT examination bed. The position depends on the type of scan being performed. It is important that you remain still when the scan is being taken as movement may cause the scan images to look blurred. Some scans require you to hold your breath for a short time.
Certain scans require an injection of a contrast media. The contrast media contains iodine which can be detected by the CT scanner. This helps the Radiologist to make a diagnosis from your scan. Contrast is delivered through a needle placed in a vein in your arm.
Patients who undergo steroid injections or administration of contrast media are requested to remain with us for up to 30 minutes after the scan.
Following your CT scan, the images will be interpreted by one of our Radiologists. Your doctor will also be able to view these images on a computer at their clinic.
