A new, non-invasive test provided at only a few centers nationwide preformed early in pregnancy to identify down syndrome in a young fetus for patients at a higher risk.
CT-64 Scan
Computed Tomography, widely known as a CAT scan, is medically referred to as simply CT. In its early days of development and use, it was called Computerized Axial Tomography, hence the term CAT.
CT is generally a relatively quick procedure that uses x-ray beams to create computer-generated image of soft tissue structures, such as tumors and internal organs, and air cavities (sinuses, lungs). It also has advantages in skeletal and neurological imaging. Its radiation doses to the human body are considered minimal due to the speed in which the X-Ray is delivered.
The procedure requires you to lie in a horizontal position, either on your back or stomach, and remain comfortably still. A flat, moving table goes through the center of a donut-shaped x-ray machine. X-ray beams from a number of positions are aimed at the area being studied. A special detector measures the amount of absorbed radiation. This data is transformed by a computer into a digital image.
CT Services Provided:
Virtual Colonoscopy
Helical computed tomography (CT) is used to generate high-resolution, two-dimensional axial images of the abdomen and pelvis. Three-dimensional images of the colon simulating those obtained with conventional colonoscopy can be reconstructed from the data obtained. Basic imaging principles: cleansing the patient’s colon using a standard barium enema or colonoscopy bowel preparation, colonic insufflation with room-air and thin-section, low dose CT of the abdomen and pelvis followed by off-line computer manipulation of the CT dataset to facilitate inspection of the colonic wall.
Bowel Preparation:
Virtual colonoscopy requires a well prepared, cleansed colon to achieve appropriate sensitivity and specificity. Retained stool can simulate polyps decreasing specificity while retained fluid can obscure polyps resulting in decreased sensitivity. The standard colonoscopy preparation (polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution, Go-Lytely; Braintree Laboratories, Braintree, Mass) tends to result in more retained fluid and several investigators prefer a common barium enema preparation E-Z-EM, Inc. , C.B.Fleet, which appears to result in less retained fluid. At this time, a full colon cleansing preparation is required to achieve acceptable results. Orally administered barium contrast products to mark or tag fecal residue are under investigation. The incentive behind the development of such products is to minimize bowel preparation requirements and increase patient compliance. The efficacy of these agents remains is currently being assessed. E-Z-EM also makes a low residue diet kit to take the day prior to exam, nutritious enough for patients to adhere to the bowel prep regimen which is essential for good results.
Coronary Calcium Scoring
Cardiac CT, or coronary calcium scoring, is a fast, painless, and non-invasive cad coronary calcium scoring ct heart scanway of obtaining information about the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart wall. Plaque is a build-up of fat and other substances, including calcium, which can, over time, narrow the arteries or even close off blood flow to the heart. The result may be painful angina in the chest or a heart attack.
Because calcium is a marker of coronary artery disease, the amount of calcium detected on a cardiac CT scan is a helpful diagnostic tool. The findings on cardiac CT are expressed as a calcium score and can help present an overall picture of your heart health.
CT Angiography
Coronary artery CT Angiography (CTA) is a special type of x-ray examination used to visualize blood flow in the vessels of the heart. Patients who have this test will have a small intravenous (I.V.) catheter placed in their arm and will receive an iodine-containing contrast dye to help ensure the best images possible of the coronary arteries. The same I.V. may be used to give a safe medication (commonly used by patients with high blood pressure and heart disease) to slow or stabilize the heart rate for better imaging results. During the examination, which takes about 10 minutes, X-rays pass through the body and are picked up by special detectors which give the final images. Typically, the higher the number of detectors, the better the image. For this reason, this technique is often called "multi-detector" or multi-slice" CT scanning. Sand Lake Imaging has a 64-slice multidetector CT, the highest number of detectors available for clinical imaging.
What is PET/CT?
The biograph PET/CT is a diagnostic imaging system that combines PET and CT into one unit. PET (Positron Emission Tomography) utilizes a low-level radiopharmaceutical to visualize processes or functions within the body. CT stands for Computed Tomography or CAT Scan. This technique uses x-rays to make cross-sectional images (called slices) of your body. The structure of body organs is more clearly visualized than with conventional x-rays.
Advanced system software in the biograph PET/CT combines the anatomical information obtained from CT with the functional PET information to form not a photograph, but a biograph - an image that records living tissues and life processes with great precision and detail.
PET/CT Preparation
Do not eat or drink anything for 6-12 hours prior to your exam, except water.
Avoid strenuous activity 24 hours in advance of your study.
Preparation CT (CT/with Contrast):
Please call Sand Lake Imaging if you are diabetic or are known to have allergies
In some instances, a preparation is required. You will be told at the time you make your appointment.
Sand Lake Imaging will instruct you if a preparation is necessary.
Creatinine/BUN required for CT within 90 days if 60 or older, renal insufficient, diabetic or hypertensive.
CT Frequently Asked Questions
What is CT?
CT stands for Computed Tomography, which is widely called a CAT scan. Based on x-ray technology, it creates three-dimensional, computerized images of internal tissues and organs. Unlike traditional x-rays, however, CT images reveal overlapping parts of the body.
What are the advantages of a CT scan compared to an MRI?
A key advantage of CT is its ability to show detailed images of bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue in the same image. Bones in the image don't obscure the underlying tissues. A CT can also reveal tumors and measure a tumor’s size and location. CT is considered the best method of diagnosing different kinds of cancers. It is also commonly used in diagnosing vascular diseases, detecting osteoporosis, and identifying traumatic injuries to internal organs.
Another advantage of CT: The procedure is faster and costs much less than an MRI.
Is a CT safe?
While the patient is exposed to radiation from x-rays, the amount of exposure is considerably less than that of a normal x-ray. In fact, the amount of radiation received from a CT of the head and brain is about the same as the amount of natural radiation exposure received in the environment during a year.
When and why is “dye” used?
Whether or not you need a contrasting liquid or injection depends on the type of study your physician has ordered. A contrasting agent containing iodine, often called “dye,” helps the radiologist to see more definition of the tissues and to visualize the blood supply to internal organs. The contrasting agent is administered by our staff intravenously.
The iodine-containing “dyes” are generally quite safe. Our staff will screen your medical history to determine if there is any risk of adverse reactions to the contrasting agent.
How does a CT scan work?
The patient lies comfortably still on a flat padded table, which moves steadily through the center of a donut-shaped x-ray machine. X-ray beams from a number of positions are aimed at the area being studied. A special detector measures the amount of absorbed radiation. This data is transformed by a computer into a digital image, displayed as a cross-section of the x-rayed area on a computer screen.
How should I prepare for the exam?
Preparation can vary according to the type of CT exam, whether or not you will be receiving a contrasting agent, and your medical history.
Can I drive home after the CT?
CT requires no sedation and therefore you will be able to drive immediately after the exam, even if you received a contrasting agent.
How long does it take for my physician to get the results of the examination?
The radiologist will review and interpret your CT examination upon completion. Within 24 hours, your physician will have a written report and copies of the film for visual inspection of the findings.
Why do I need contrast?
There are two types of contrast: oral and intravenous. Oral contrast is a barium or gastrograffin based drink that is given to most patients receiving an abdomen or pelvic CT. This allows the radiologist to differentiate the small and large bowel from other structures in the abdomen. Intravenous contrast is used for both MRI and CT and is given to patients with certain diseases or suspected diseases. The decision to administer intravenous contrast is determined either by the referring doctor or the onsite radiologist.
What insurance do you accept?
We accept most insurance, except Florida Hospital, ORMC and Health First insurance plans. We also provide no-interest payment plans tailored to each patient in handling the co-payment portion of the insurance plan or for patients who are self-pay.
What forms should I bring to my appointment?
Your insurance card and the MRI or CT prescription from your referring doctor.
Should I bring my old films?
If your previous exams were performed at Neuroskeletal Imaging, you do not need to bring your prior exams. If you have a prior imaging study at an outside institution and it is of the body part being examined at Neuroskeletal Imaging, please bring them to your appointment. The films will remain at the center until your report has been issued by the radiologist. The films will then be available for pick-up at your convenience.
Do I get films to take with me?
Printed films are available upon request (although this somewhat depends on the referring physician).
Will I need a driver?
Only if you are scheduled for oral or intravenous sedation.
How soon can I schedule my exam?
In most cases, exams can be scheduled the same day.
When should I arrive for my exam?
We request that patients arrive 10 minutes prior to the exam start time in order to fill out necessary paperwork. If oral or intravenous sedation is scheduled, please arrive 30 minutes prior to the exam start time. Pediatric patients under 50 pounds should arrive 1 hour early.
How long will the exam take?
An MRI may take between 15 and 30 minutes. Occasionally, an MRI may last for 45 minutes if there are more than one body part being. A CT scan takes between 5 and 10 minutes.
Do I have to remain still during the exam?
Yes. It is extremely important that patients not move during the scan. Any minor movement can make the images unreadable and will require repeating the scan. However, patients will only have to remain motionless for a period of 2 to 7 minutes at a time. Small breaks will be given during an MRI exam to allow patients to relax momentarily.
Can I wear my regular clothes during the exam?
All patients scheduled for an MRI will be provided a hospital gown prior to the examination. Regular clothes or street clothes may result in image artifacts and distortions and are not allowed in the MRI. Patients scheduled for CT may wear regular clothes. However, all metal objects will have to be removed due to image artifacts.
Are there any risks with CT or MRI?
Since there is no radiation with MRI, there are no reportable risks. However, patients with pacemakers, certain aneurysm clips, metal in the orbits, and other metal implants may not be allowed to have an MRI. These screening questions will be asked at the time of scheduling. CT scans emit x-rays and, therefore, there is a theoretical risk of radiation. However, there have been no definitive studies demonstrating the exact risk or the limit of how many CT scans a patient may have. Often, referring doctors and patients may opt for an MRI instead of a CT for this reason.
Are there any risks with intravenous contrast?
There are very few reported risks with MRI contrast (Gadolinium). There is a slightly higher risk of allergic reaction with CT (iodinated) contrast. A history of allergies to iodine will be asked at the time of scheduling for a CT scan. Patients with renal failure or poor renal function may not receive CT contrast. A renal function test is required prior to CT for all patients over 65 years of age, patients with diabetes, or patients with a history of renal disease.
Can I eat before my exam?
You may eat prior to your MRI. If you are scheduled for a CT scan with intravenous contrast, you may not eat or drink for 2 hours prior. If you are scheduled for oral or intravenous sedation, you may not eat or drink for 6 hours prior. However, pediatric patients may have a few sips of water or juice 2 hours prior and no food 6 hours prior.
When will my doctor get the results?
Once your examination is completed, the onsite radiologist will be reviewing all of the images and will issue a report the same day or the next morning. The report is then faxed and either mailed or delivered to your doctor's office. If your case is an emergency, the radiologist will speak verbally to your referring doctor as soon as the scan is finished.
Computed Tomography, widely known as a CAT scan, is medically referred to as simply CT. In its early days of development and use, it was called Computerized Axial Tomography, hence the term CAT.
