Contents
- How is tomography different from other tests?
- Abdominal CT scan – with or without contrast?
- Abdominal Computed Tomography – How Long Does It Take?
- Abdominal CT scan – indications and contraindications
- Preparation for computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
- Additional information about computed tomography
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Computed tomography is a very thorough examination. Additionally, it is quick and painless. It consists in acquiring an image of organs with the help of X-rays. In more modern devices, the radiation dose can be adjusted individually. Additionally, some of them are equipped with special software to monitor the amount of radiation to which the patient is exposed. See how long a CT scan takes!
How is tomography different from other tests?
Computed tomography (CT) belongs to the family of imaging tests. This means that it allows to obtain a cross-sectional image of the internal organs and cavities of the human body. A CT scan uses X-rays just like X-rays. However, the dose is much larger with tomography. The advantage of tomography is accuracy (especially after administration of contrast), as well as the possibility of obtaining a 2D or 3D image in various planes.
The basic and more frequently ordered abdominal examination is ultrasound. This procedure is useful in the initial diagnosis of the causes of a patient’s ailments, but it has some limitations. It cannot penetrate bones and is less able to handle organs filled with fluids and gases, such as the intestines. Therefore, instead of an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity, more accurate computed tomography is used. If a specific lesion is detected, MRI of the abdominal cavity will allow for a more detailed inspection.
- Read more: Magnetic resonance imaging – when is it worth doing and how to prepare for it?
Abdominal CT scan – with or without contrast?
Not every CT scan requires an application contrast. It depends on many factors. Contrast helps to distinguish structures and greatly improves the image on the monitor. This contrast is slightly different than that of magnetic resonance imaging. It is possible to be allergic to the contrast agent used during the test. As for the abdominal CT scan, the contrast must be drunk by the subject. Only in this way is it possible to get a clear picture. However, contrast testing cannot be used in all cases. Sometimes people who cannot withstand the test without moving are also tested. In this case, you will be given a sedative. In extreme cases, the examination is performed under general anesthesia.
- See also: Computed tomography – when to perform and how to prepare?
Abdominal Computed Tomography – How Long Does It Take?
Computed tomography it is a completely painless examination. However, when examining people who suffer from claustrophobia, it may turn out to be unpleasant. Are you wondering how long a CT scan takes? It is not a long-term study. Usually a dozen or so minutes is enough to get an accurate result. It should be noted that the CT scan should not be repeated too often, as the patient receives a radiation dose during its performance. However, made once in a while to monitor treatment – it is not harmful.
Abdominal CT scan – indications and contraindications
One of the most frequently performed CT examinations is abdominal tomography. It is performed in people who suffer from tumors of the abdominal organs. The indications are also inflammation of organs, e.g. pancreas and appendicitis, as well as the desire to determine the extent of inflammatory or neoplastic infiltrates on the walls of the abdominal organs. CT scan is also used to locate gastrointestinal bleeding. Abdominal tomography is also a test ordered in case of kidney diseases. It can also detect hepatic venous thrombosis, gastrointestinal obstruction or injuries. The indications for an abdominal CT scan may be abdominal pain, weight loss and anemia.
Claustrophobia is a contraindication to the examination, as well as allergy to drugs and contrast agents. It should also not be performed in people who are prone to bleeding or suffer from kidney failure. It is forbidden to test pregnant women. If you suspect that you may be in early pregnancy, you should not have the test performed. The physician should also be informed about bronchial asthma, hyperthyroidism and treatment with radioactive iodine.
Preparation for computed tomography of the abdominal cavity
If you are due to have an abdominal CT scan, you must have an abdominal CT scan. In addition, you must show the doctor the current results of your blood creatinine test before the test. The doctor will interpret the result. However, if it is not within the norm – he will refuse to perform the test. In the case of diabetics, a medical consultation is necessary, because some drugs (such as metformin) must be discontinued before the examination.
Before the test, you should drink about 1,5 liters of still water. The bladder should be full during the test. Before an abdominal CT scan, medications are sometimes given to inhibit bowel movements. The camera is usually equipped with a special intercom. During the examination, the doctor gives precise instructions to be followed. After the test is over, you need to drink large amounts of water, which will flush out the contrast administered before the test.
| Name of the study | CT examination |
| Introduction – what is this research / what the research is for | Thanks to the use of X-rays, the examination allows to recreate the patient’s body structures on the monitor, which allows any abnormalities to be detected. |
| Indications for the examination | The indications depend on the place that will be analyzed. |
| Standards | There are no general standards. |
| Interpreting the results (at least basic) | Individual interpretation. |
| How is the test going | The examination usually consists in administering a contrast agent and placing the patient in the machine. The overexposed image is visible on the screens. |
| How to prepare for the test | The last meal should be eaten at least 6 hours in advance. The patient should come with a creatinine level determination. Up to 3 hours before the examination, one should drink 1,5-2 liters of still water |
| Information to be reported prior to testing | Medications taken, ailments |
| How to behave after the examination | After the examination, you should drink water to rinse out the contrast. |
| Possible complications after the examination | Lack. |
| Other important (if any) | x |
Additional information about computed tomography
You should appear in comfortable clothes without any metal elements such as underwires, buttons, zippers or buckles. The patient must remain still during the CT scan, and may be instructed to hold the breath at certain times. A predetermined position helps you get a clear picture without distortion. After the CT examination, it is recommended to stay for up to several dozen minutes in the center conducting the examination. This allows the patient to be observed for adverse reactions to the contrast agent.