Jump to content

Choose locationNot Set
  • Sign in or Register
    • I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
X Close Window

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Register
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Ways to Give
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Services
  • Imaging Services
  • CT Scan
Content

CT Scan

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging method that uses x-rays to create pictures of cross-sections of the body.

Related tests include:

  • Abdominal and pelvis CT scan
  • Cranial or head CT scan
  • Cervical, thoracic, and lumbosacral spine CT scan
  • Orbit CT scan
  • Chest CT scan

Alternative Names

CAT scan; Computed axial tomography scan; Computed tomography scan

How the Test is Performed

You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.

Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern spiral scanners can perform the exam without stopping.

A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the body area can be created by stacking the slices together.

You must stay still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.

Complete scans most often take only a few minutes. The newest scanners can image your entire body in less than 30 seconds.

Open Article Detail

How to Prepare for the Test

Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into your body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.

Let your health care provider know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medicines before the test in order to avoid another reaction.

Contrast can be given several ways, depending on the type of CT being performed.

  • It may be delivered through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm.
  • You might drink the contrast before your scan. When you drink the contrast depends on the type of exam being done. The contrast liquid may taste chalky, although some are flavored. The contrast passes out of your body through your stools.
  • Rarely, the contrast may be given into your rectum using an enema.

If contrast is used, you may also be asked not to eat or drink anything for 4 to 6 hours before the test.

Before receiving IV contrast, tell your health care provider if you take the diabetes medication metformin (Glucophage). People taking this medicine may need to stop temporarily. Also let your provider know if you have any problems with your kidneys. The IV contrast can worsen kidney function.

Find out if the CT machine has a weight limit if you weigh more than 300 pounds (135 kilograms). Too much weight can damage the scanner.

You will need to remove jewelry and wear a hospital gown during the study.

How the Test will Feel

Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.

Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning feeling, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

Why the Test is Performed

A CT scan creates detailed pictures of the body, including the brain, chest, spine, and abdomen. The test may be used to:

  • Diagnose an infection
  • Guide a surgeon to the right area during a biopsy
  • Identify masses and tumors, including cancer
  • Study blood vessels

Normal Results

Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined are normal in appearance.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal results depend on the part of the body being studied. Talk to your provider about questions and concerns.

Risks

Risks of CT scans include:

  • Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
  • Damage to kidney function from the contrast dye
  • Exposure to radiation

CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your doctor should weigh this risk against the value of the information that will come from a CT scan. Most new CT scan machines have the ability to reduce the radiation dose.

Some people have allergies to contrast dye. Let your provider know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.

  • The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If you have an iodine allergy, a type of contrast may cause nausea or vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives.
  • If you absolutely must be given such contrast, your doctor may give you antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.
  • Your kidneys help remove iodine from the body. You may need to receive extra fluids after the test to help flush iodine out of your body if you have diabetes or kidney disease.

Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing during the test, tell the scanner operator immediately. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.

References

Blankensteijn JD, Kool LJS. Computed tomography. In: Cronenwett JL, Johnston KW, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 22.

Shaw AS, Prokop M. Computed tomography. In: Adam A, Dixon AK, Gillard JH, Schaefer-Prokop CM, eds. Grainger & Allison's Diagnostic Radiology: A Textbook of Medical Imaging. 6th ed. New York, NY: Elsevier; 2015:chap 4.

Wahl RL. Imaging. In: Niederhuber JE, Armitage JO, Doroshow JH, Kastan MB, Tepper JE, eds. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 18.

X

Related Articles

From Sutter Health

    Talking To Your MD

      Self Care

        Other Related Content

          Patient Information

          Couple in kitchen looking at digital tablet

          Interested in becoming a Sutter patient? Here’s what you need to know about health plans, choosing a doctor and how to get started today.

          • Accepted Health Plans
          • Tips for Choosing a Doctor
          • Health Insurance Guide

          Find a Doctor Who Fits Your Needs

          Patient Stories

          Living Life to Its Fullest Thanks to Modern Technology

          An electronic engineer by profession, Roger spent his life designing and fixing systems. But he needed help when it came to repairing his own heart.

          Baby Girl Overcomes Heart Defect

          Keira was still in the womb when doctors discovered she had a heart defect. After birth, doctors at Sutter Health repaired the newborn's tiny heart.

          Tiffany's Second Chance at Life

          After suffering a heart attack at 32, Tiffany Butler needed a complex procedure offered only at Mills-Peninsula and one other California hospital.

          Stroke Patient Walks Again After Rehabilitation

          Brad Barber went from being close to death, to alive but severely disabled, to walking with a cane thanks to the Sutter Rehabilitation Institute.

          Ram Madduluri: “Stroke center on wheels” increases patients’ odds

          Sutter Health patient Ram Madduluri describes how stroke research at Sutter is helping pioneer the future of acute stroke care.

          Homeless Heart Attack Victim Finds Hope and Health

          When Ed Stump had a heart attack, he had no place to live and no family support in the area after being discharged from the hospital.

          View All Stories

          Related Videos

          CPMC surgeon, Dr Callander explains new options for knee replacement surgery.

          Peter Callander, MD on Custom Knee Replacement Surgery

          CPMC surgeon, Dr Callander explains new options for knee replacement surgery.

          Peter Callander, MD on Custom Knee Replacement Surgery
          Molly Roberts, MD, MS of the Institute ffor Health & Healing discusses natural ways to keep your heart healthy.

          A Holistic Approach to Heart Health

          Molly Roberts, MD, MS of the Institute ffor Health & Healing discusses natural ways to keep your heart healthy.

          A Holistic Approach to Heart Health
          Orthopedic surgeon Peter Callander, M.D., talks about why he likes working at NCH.

          Sutter Novato Community Hospital Bone & Joint Care

          Orthopedic surgeon Peter Callander, M.D., talks about why he likes working at NCH.

          Sutter Novato Community Hospital Bone & Joint Care
          Recommended therapeutic exercise for hip surgery patients

          Exercise after Hip Surgery

          Recommended therapeutic exercise for hip surgery patients

          Exercise after Hip Surgery
          Orthopedic Surgeon Dan Solomon, MD talks about practicing at Novato Community Hospital

          Practicing at Sutter Novato Community Hospital

          Orthopedic Surgeon Dan Solomon, MD talks about practicing at Novato Community Hospital

          Practicing at Sutter Novato Community Hospital
          Part One of this series helps you prepare yourself and your home for your total joint replacement procedure.

          Making the Most of Your Total Joint Replacement - Part One: Getting Ready for Surgery

          Part One of this series helps you prepare yourself and your home for your total joint replacement procedure.

          Making the Most of Your Total Joint Replacement - Part One: Getting Ready for Surgery
          Dr. Noah Weiss discusses the unique orthopedic practice environment at Novato Community Hospital

          Sutter Health NCH Bone & Joint Program

          Dr. Noah Weiss discusses the unique orthopedic practice environment at Novato Community Hospital

          Sutter Health NCH Bone & Joint Program
          Hip arthroscopy, hip replacement and orthopedic services at Novato Community Hospital in Marin, CA.

          Orthopedics Overview | Novato Community Hospital

          Hip arthroscopy, hip replacement and orthopedic services at Novato Community Hospital in Marin, CA.

          Orthopedics Overview | Novato Community Hospital
          Peter Callander, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter Health CPMC's Total Joint Replacement Center, talks about how to get ready for traditional knee joint replacement surgery.

          Preparing for Total Knee Replacement Surgery

          Peter Callander, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter Health CPMC's Total Joint Replacement Center, talks about how to get ready for traditional knee joint replacement surgery.

          Preparing for Total Knee Replacement Surgery
          Sachin Shah, MD, FACS, Director of Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at Sutter Health CPMC and Palo Alto Medical Foundation discusses the benefits of robotic mitral valve repair.

          Benefits of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair

          Sachin Shah, MD, FACS, Director of Robotic & Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery at Sutter Health CPMC and Palo Alto Medical Foundation discusses the benefits of robotic mitral valve repair.

          Benefits of Robotic Mitral Valve Repair
          Part Two of this series demonstrates exercises that will help you prepare your body for surgery and help you recover after your procedure.

          Making the Most Of Your Total Joint Replacement - Part Two: Pre-Operative Exercises

          Part Two of this series demonstrates exercises that will help you prepare your body for surgery and help you recover after your procedure.

          Making the Most Of Your Total Joint Replacement - Part Two: Pre-Operative Exercises
          How to safely use stairs with your walker or crutches after joint replacement.

          Navigating Stairs After Joint Replacement

          How to safely use stairs with your walker or crutches after joint replacement.

          Navigating Stairs After Joint Replacement
          Christopher Cox, M.D., the Medical Director of and an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter Health CPMC's Total Joint Replacement Center, talks about how to get ready for traditional hip joint replacement surgery.

          Preparing for Total Hip Replacement Surgery

          Christopher Cox, M.D., the Medical Director of and an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter Health CPMC's Total Joint Replacement Center, talks about how to get ready for traditional hip joint replacement surgery.

          Preparing for Total Hip Replacement Surgery
          Atrial Fibrillation Explained by Steven Hao, MD, Electrophysiologist at CPMC

          Atrial Fibrillation Explained by Steven Hao, MD

          Atrial Fibrillation Explained by Steven Hao, MD, Electrophysiologist at CPMC

          Atrial Fibrillation Explained by Steven Hao, MD
          What to expect with hip replacement procedure at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC).

          Guide to Total Hip Replacement at CPMC

          What to expect with hip replacement procedure at California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC).

          Guide to Total Hip Replacement at CPMC
          Part Three of this series helps you prepare for your trip to the hospital, what to expect on the day of your procedure, what are the goals for your going home and making plans for where you can stay immediately after discharge.

          Making the Most of Your Total Joint Replacement - Part Three: Going Home

          Part Three of this series helps you prepare for your trip to the hospital, what to expect on the day of your procedure, what are the goals for your going home and making plans for where you can stay immediately after discharge.

          Making the Most of Your Total Joint Replacement - Part Three: Going Home
          Maxine Barish-Wreden M.D. ABIHM, Medical Director of the Sutter Center for Integrative Holistic Health discusses the importance of nutrition for cancer prevention in this educational video.

          Cancer-fighting nutrition with Maxine Barish-Wreden M.D.

          Maxine Barish-Wreden M.D. ABIHM, Medical Director of the Sutter Center for Integrative Holistic Health discusses the importance of nutrition for cancer prevention in this educational video.

          Cancer-fighting nutrition with Maxine Barish-Wreden M.D.
          Dr. Tej Singh discusses Deep Venous Thrombosis.

          Deep Venous Thrombosis

          Dr. Tej Singh discusses Deep Venous Thrombosis.

          Deep Venous Thrombosis
          PAMF Radiation Oncologist Dr. Pauling Chang explains a tumor treatment called radiosurgery, where targeted radiation therapy is delivered precisely to the patient's tumor. Learn more on our blog.

          Radiosurgery Technology - Dr. Pauling Chang

          PAMF Radiation Oncologist Dr. Pauling Chang explains a tumor treatment called radiosurgery, where targeted radiation therapy is delivered precisely to the patient's tumor. Learn more on our blog.

          Radiosurgery Technology - Dr. Pauling Chang
          Interventional Cardiologist Dr. David Daniels describes Aortic Stenosis and the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure.

          David Daniels, M.D., Discusses Aortic Stenosis and TAVR

          Interventional Cardiologist Dr. David Daniels describes Aortic Stenosis and the Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) procedure.

          David Daniels, M.D., Discusses Aortic Stenosis and TAVR
          Dr. Leslie Kardos explains the advantages of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (laparoscopy), and da Vinci robot assisted surgery.

          Leslie Kardos, MD on Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery

          Dr. Leslie Kardos explains the advantages of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (laparoscopy), and da Vinci robot assisted surgery.

          Leslie Kardos, MD on Minimally Invasive Gynecological Surgery
          Learn how to safely move after joint replacement surgery with Lee D/'Alessandro, one of our Inpatient Assistant Physical Therapists.

          How to Move Safely With Your New Joint

          Learn how to safely move after joint replacement surgery with Lee D/'Alessandro, one of our Inpatient Assistant Physical Therapists.

          How to Move Safely With Your New Joint
          Recommendations for walking after joint replacement procedures.

          Walking After Joint Replacement

          Recommendations for walking after joint replacement procedures.

          Walking After Joint Replacement
          Chef Terese Esperas of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op provides a cooking demonstration with nutritious cancer-fighting recipes this four-part series.

          Cancer-fighting recipes: Gazpacho

          Chef Terese Esperas of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op provides a cooking demonstration with nutritious cancer-fighting recipes this four-part series.

          Cancer-fighting recipes: Gazpacho
          Mark Schrumpf, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter Health CPMC's Total Joint Replacement Center, talks about how to get ready for shoulder joint replacement surgery.

          Preparing for Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery

          Mark Schrumpf, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Sutter Health CPMC's Total Joint Replacement Center, talks about how to get ready for shoulder joint replacement surgery.

          Preparing for Total Shoulder Replacement Surgery
          In this video (2 of 4 in the series), Chef Terese Esperas of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op prepares a delicious Orange Pistachio Quinoa.

          Cancer-fighting recipes: Orange Pistachio Quinoa

          In this video (2 of 4 in the series), Chef Terese Esperas of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op prepares a delicious Orange Pistachio Quinoa.

          Cancer-fighting recipes: Orange Pistachio Quinoa
          In this video (4 of 4 in the series), Chef Terese Esperas of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op prepares a flavorful Sautéed Chard with Orange dish.

          Cancer-fighting recipes: Sauteed Chard

          In this video (4 of 4 in the series), Chef Terese Esperas of the Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op prepares a flavorful Sautéed Chard with Orange dish.

          Cancer-fighting recipes: Sauteed Chard
          Cardiac Electrophysiology specialist Dr. Christopher Woods describes Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) and the Ablation procedure.

          Chistopher Woods, M.D. Discusses Atrial Fibrillation and Ablation

          Cardiac Electrophysiology specialist Dr. Christopher Woods describes Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) and the Ablation procedure.

          Chistopher Woods, M.D. Discusses Atrial Fibrillation and Ablation

          Doctor Profiles

          The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
          Vineet S. Sharma, M.D.

          Vineet S. Sharma, M.D.

          • Radiology

          Timothy L. Washowich, M.D.

          Timothy L. Washowich, M.D.

          • Radiology

          Albert Lu, M.D.

          Albert Lu, M.D.

          • Radiology

          John D. Murao, M.D.

          John D. Murao, M.D.

          • Radiology

          Neha Vibhakar, M.D.

          Neha Vibhakar, M.D.

          • Radiology

          View All Related Doctors

          The Sutter Health Network of Care
          Expertise to fit your needs
          Primary Care

          Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

          Specialty Care

          Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

          Emergency Care

          For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

          Urgent Care

          After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

          Walk-In Care

          Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

          About Sutter

        • About Our Network
        • Annual Report
        • Awards
        • Community Benefit
        • Contact Us
        • News Room
        • Ways to Give
        • Find Care

        • Birth Centers
        • Care Centers
        • Emergency Rooms
        • Hospitals
        • Imaging
        • Labs
        • Surgery Centers
        • Urgent Care
        • Walk-In Care
        • View All >
        • Featured Services

        • Behavioral Health
        • Cancer Services
        • Family Medicine
        • Home Health and Hospice
        • Orthopedics
        • Pediatrics
        • Pregnancy
        • Primary Care
        • Women's Health
        • View All >
        • Patient Resources

        • Accepted Health Plans
        • Classes and Events
        • Estimate Costs
        • Flu Resources
        • Health and Wellness
        • Medical Records
        • Medicare
        • My Health Online
        • Pay a Bill
        • Symptom Checker
        • Our Team

        • For Employees
        • Physician Careers
        • Recruiting Events
        • Sutter Careers
        • Vendors
        • Volunteers
          • ADA Accessibility
          • Contact
          • Privacy Policy
          • Terms of Use

          • LinkedIn Opens new window
          • YouTube Opens new window
          • Facebook Opens new window
          • Twitter Opens new window
          • Glassdoor Opens new window
          • Instagram Opens new window

          Copyright © 2019 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.