Computed tomography – when to perform and how to prepare?

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Computed tomography is a radiological examination that allows to obtain a 2D and 3D image of human internal organs. It allows for a detailed diagnosis of the whole body, which often requires the administration of intravenous contrast agents. When is computed tomography performed and how to prepare for it?

What is computed tomography?

One of the most detailed imaging tests that allow to assess the condition of the human body is computed tomography. It is performed when the correct diagnosis of the disease or the detection of the causes of the patient’s ailments requires a more detailed examination than X-ray or ultrasound. In such a situation, multiplanar imaging such as magnetic resonance or just computed tomography (CT, CK) is often ordered.

The advantage of computed tomography it is possible to test many body structures, including blood vessels (angio-CT), heart, lungs, brain, sinuses, spine, limbs and abdominal cavity. A CT scan can be performed on people with a pacemaker, but due to X-rays, it is not recommended for pregnant women.

Computed tomography – when is it recommended?

The physician informs about the need to perform computed tomography of the patient. It happens that tomography is performed urgently, and most often it concerns emergencies. Instant computed tomography it is sometimes necessary for head and spine injuries, and to determine the type of stroke, which may be haemorrhagic or ischemic. If doctors suspect or have already detected internal bleeding, a CT scan can find the place of bleeding.

Indications for computed tomography also apply to further diagnostics, when basic blood tests and imaging tests (USG, X-ray) are not sufficient to diagnose the disease. Performing a CT scan is useful in the case of suspicion of neoplastic diseases, aneurysms, tumors or pulmonary embolism. It also helps to identify the causes of pain of unknown origin.

Read more about:

1. Computed tomography of the head
2. computed tomography of the chest
3. computed tomography of blood vessels

Computed tomography – referral for examination

Computed tomography requires a referral from a specialist doctor. With such a referral, you can wait for the test financed by the National Health Fund, but it usually involves long queues. An alternative is to perform the test for a fee. In this case, you should also have a referral with you, and be prepared to cover the costs of the service. Computed tomography always requires a referral. This is due to the use of high-dose x-rays, which should not be exposed too often.

The price of the CT examination it depends on the part of the body and whether we perform tomography with contrast. The CT examination itself costs about PLN 200-600 per area, and the surcharge for a contrast agent ranges from PLN 100 to PLN 200. We will pay about 700–1000 PLN for the computed tomography of several areas (three or four).

Computed tomography – how to prepare?

Performing computed tomography in most cases does not require any special preparation. The first step is to qualify for the examination, i.e. to rule out contraindications, i.e. pregnancy, treatment with ionizing radiation, allergy to iodine or contrast. Before proceeding to CT examinations with contrast – preferably in the previous week – a laboratory test will be performed to check the level of creatinine in your blood.

1. Also, check what is full body magnetic resonance imaging.

The most important issues regarding preparation for computed tomography have:

1. in case of necessity to administer a contrast, laboratory tests taking into account the concentration of creatinine in the blood should be performed no later than 7-10 days before the examination;
2. arrival for a CT scan with a referral, marked with creatinine and other imaging or laboratory tests performed in the process of diagnosis or treatment of a given disease;
3. tomography is performed on an empty stomach – the last meal should be eaten on average six hours before the examination;
4. before the examination, do not drink any drinks, coffee or tea, but only water – its increased supply is recommended in the case of tomography with contrast;
5. before the examination, we do not smoke cigarettes;
6. when we come to the tomography with the necessary documentation, we must inform the doctor about the medications, allergies and possible claustrophobia during the conversation with the doctor;
7. on the day of the examination, it is recommended to choose clothing without metal elements, and also to remove the jewelry before starting the procedure;
8. in the case of CT with contrast, the patient is put on a cannula through which the agent is administered intravenously.

CT examination – duration and results

The duration of computed tomography is several or several dozen minutes. It all depends on the area of ​​the body being studied. It is worth knowing that the patient must remain still during the work of the tomograph and follow the doctor’s instructions. It lies on a movable table which moves under the ring of the apparatus that irradiates specific parts of the body with X-rays.

The images obtained during the CT scan must be described by a radiologist. This means that you have to wait a few days for the result. With the ready results, you should go to a specialist who will use them in the further diagnostic process.