Radiology Group | Exam Descriptions

Imaging Excellence in the Quad Cities Since 1945

CT (computed tomography) is a highly specialized x-ray examination performed by a CT scanner and computer. The images generated by the computer can be printed out or examined on a monitor. The scanner provides more highly detailed images of the body's tissues and vessels than conventional x-rays.

CT scanning of pediatric patients may be performed in newborns and infants as well as older children and adolescents. A CT exam of any body part may be recommended in order to diagnose an abnormality, disease, inflammatory disorder, the source of abdominal pain or headaches, and injury-related complications. CT is also useful for demonstrating birth defects, detecting cancer, and monitoring previously treated diseases.

CT scans may be conducted with or without contrast material that is taken by mouth or injected into a vein. Contrast material allows a particular organ, tissue or blood vessel to be visualized more clearly. If contrast needs to be injected into a vein (intravenous or IV contrast), an anesthetic cream will be applied to your child's arm to numb the area. After the contrast is injected, your child may experience a sensation of being warm or flushed throughout his/her throat, chest, abdomen and pelvis. This is normal and may last 1-2 minutes. IV contrast is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and will be passed, unnoticed, from your child's body in his/her urine.

Oral contrast is usually recommended for CT scans of the abdomen and bowel. Contrast may be mixed with clear soda pop at the time of the exam.

Sedation is dependent upon your child and the type of CT exam. Oral sedation may also be required if your child is agitated or unable to hold still.

If the exam requires intravenous (IV) or oral contrast, your child should not eat or drink 2 hours prior to the exam.
Dress your child in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Metal objects can affect the image, so avoid clothing with zippers and snaps.
If your child is allergic to contrast, please call to talk to our Nurse before the day of your child's exam, (563) 359-3931.
If available, please bring copies of previous scans if the exam is for the same area being imaged. (If previous imaging was performed at Genesis, Radiology Group will retrieve the previous scans for you.)

If your child's exam requires IV or oral contrast, it is important that you inform the Radiologic Technologist before the exam if:

Your child has asthma
Is allergic to any foods or medications (especially dye or contrast)
Is diabetic and taking Glucophage (metformin)

Your child will lie on a firm table that slowly moves inside the donut-shaped CT scanner. The table will move into the open center of the donut as the x-rays are being taken. In order to obtain the best images possible, your child will need to lie very still during the scanning.

A CT scan itself takes only minutes. If oral contrast and sedation is required, the entire procedure could take up to an hour from the time your child enters the CT suite until you leave. When the exam is completed you may be asked to wait until the Radiologist determines if more images are required.

A Radiologist (a medical doctor specializing in diagnosing disease and injury using medical imaging technology) analyzes and interprets your exam within 24 hours. He/she dictates a Report of the findings and sends it to your child's physician. The physician's office will inform you of the results. Due to the number of patients your physician serves, it may be 7 to 10 days before he/she is prepared to respond to your child's Report. To reduce waiting time, please bring copies of previous scans if your child's exam is for the same area being imaged.

It is not possible for our office to determine individual coverage. Coverage for imaging tests is variable and depends on your insurance carrier, your plan, any exclusions, and sometimes the reasons for the examination. Prior to undergoing any imaging test, please call the number on the back of your insurance card to determine if it will be covered.

Contact us at (563) 359-3931

CT patient brochure (PDF)
www.radiologyinfo.com

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