CAT Scan
CAT scan (or CT scan) stands for Computerized Axial Tomography. It's a way of using a spinning x-ray and computer to make high-resolution images of the inside of your body. You lie flat on a table that moves through the machine quickly and takes many circular pictures. A computer then puts those pictures together to complete your exam. Any part of your body can be captured and a technologist instructs the CAT scan where to begin and end taking pictures. To enhance difficult to make out areas, some CAT scans are done after injecting you with a special contrast (dye) to clarify indistinct areas. You may also be asked to drink a mixture of contrast, which will highlight your stomach and colon.
Franklin Memorial Hospital currently has a state of the art GE 64 slice CT scanner, which was installed in 2006. The 64 slice scanner requires less scan time per exam. The previous scanner required approximately 30-40 minutes of scanning time, while the 64 slice takes only half of that time, sometimes less depending on the exam. It has given us the opportunity to offer new exams, enhance image quality, and offer more accurate diagnoses without using invasive procedures.
CAT Scan Hours of Operation at Franklin Memorial Hospital
Full coverage - Monday through Friday: 7:00 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Limited exams - Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
After hours call is provided for emergencies only
Frequently Asked Questions about CAT Scans
How long will this take?
A.The Cat scanner itself has become very fast. Patient preparation takes more time than to perform the actual exam.
Q.What do I have to remove for clothing?
A.For most exams, you are not requires to remove anything. Under wire bras, belts and metal buttons may be moved or adjusted out of the scanning area
Q.Can I drive after my exam?
A.All patients requiring a contrasted injection are required to stay with us for 15 minutes after their exam. Although complication, or reactions a very rare, this allows us to monitor you if a problem should arise. Once you have been cleared, there will be no limitations, including driving.
Q.What are the risks from taking a Cat scan?
A.Risks from taking a CAT scan are no greater than for any xray, in fact, it's been said that every time you fly in an airplane you are exposed to about the same amount of radiation. A single CT exposure is equivalent to about 8 months of natural radiation from the environment
Contrast Required for Some Common Exams
|
Scan |
Contrast Required |
Condition or Area Evaluated |
|
Head |
Sometimes requires IV contrast |
Strokes, hemorrhage, tumors, aneurysms, fractures |
|
Abdomen, Abdomen and Pelvis |
Usually requires both oral and IV contrast |
Abdominal injury, masses, appendix, ovarian or renal cysts, aneurysms, biliary disease including pancreas |
|
Extremities |
Sometimes requires IV contrast |
Stability of fractures, bony tumors/cysts, soft tissue masses |
|
Arterial Studies |
Requires IV contrast, sometimes requires oral contrast |
Carotids, aorta, kidneys, and pulmonary for embolus, occlusion, or stenosis |
|
Spine |
No contrast required |
Stenosis, masses, and fractures |
|
Chest |
Sometimes requires IV contrast |
Nodules, lung masses, suspected embolism, lung diseases or conditions |
