What happens after the CT scan?

What happens after the CT scan?

What happens afterwards. You shouldn’t experience any after-effects from a CT scan and can usually go home soon afterwards. You can eat and drink, go to work and drive as normal. If a contrast was used, you may be advised to wait in the hospital for up to an hour to make sure you don’t have a reaction to it.

Which is more detailed a CAT scan or a CT scan?

A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, organs, and blood vessels. CT scans are more detailed than standard X-rays.

How is a CT scan used in medicine?

CT, or computerized axial tomography (CAT) scans, are medical imaging tests that are used to take pictures of parts of the body at different angles to create detailed images of internal organs, blood vessels, and bones.

What are the most common problems with a CT scan?

The most common problem is an adverse reaction to intravenous contrast material. Intravenous contrast is usually an iodine-based liquid given in the vein, which makes many organs and structures, such as the kidneys and blood vessels, much more visible on the CT scan.

What happens after a CT scan at Johns Hopkins?

If you have a CT scan with Johns Hopkins radiology, detailed instructions will be given following your examination. MEDICATION: All patients can take their prescribed medications as usual. Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation. What happens during a CT scan?

How does a computed tomography ( CT ) scan work?

What is a computed tomography (CT) scan? The term “ computed tomography ”, or CT, refers to a computerized x-ray imaging procedure in which a narrow beam of x-rays is aimed at a patient and quickly rotated around the body, producing signals that are processed by the machine’s computer to generate cross-sectional images—or “slices”—of the body.

How is a CAT scan different from a CT scan?

A CT (computed tomography) scan, also called a CAT scan, is a type of specialized X-ray. The scan can show cross-sectional images of a specific area of the body. With a CT scan, the machine circles the body and sends the images to a computer, where they’re viewed by a technician.

What are the symptoms of a CT scan?

These include itching, swelling, rash, or trouble breathing. Tell your healthcare provider if you notice any pain, redness, or swelling at the IV site after you return home. These could be signs of an infection or other type of reaction. If you are given contrast by mouth, you may have diarrhea or constipation after the procedure.

When to tell your healthcare provider about a CT scan?

Tell your healthcare provider about previous CT scans and other types of X-rays. Your risks of radiation exposure may be related to the total number of X-ray exams or treatments over a long period of time. If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your healthcare provider.