Abrazo Advanced Imaging Centers

CT Scan

CT Scan at Abrazo Healthcare, in ArizonaWhat to expect
Your CT technologist will show you the scanner and explain the procedure for your exam. You will be asked to lie down on a padded table. The table will move into the center of the scanner, which is a large machine that has a hole in the center similar to a doughnut. Once in position, you will be asked to lie as relaxed and still as you can in order to maintain image quality. Your CT technologist will be able to see you and hear you at all times and will be able to talk to you during the exam. There may be times when the technologist will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds to ensure that the image is not blurry. You will hear clicking and whirring noises during your scan, but you will not feel anything.

CT contrast
Some CT exams, typically head, brain, neck, chest, abdominal and pelvic procedures, require the use of contrast (an imaging enhancement agent) to improve the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. Contrast can be particularly beneficial in creating clear images of the tissue of the liver, spleen, kidneys or other organs. This agent will be ingested orally or injected into a vein in your arm (through an IV) where it will enter your blood stream.

Some procedures (abdominal and pelvic CT) will use both oral and IV contrast to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
  • Intravenous (IV) contrast (for head, neck, chest, abdominal and pelvic procedures): Abrazo Advanced Imaging uses only nonionic contrast because it is considered the safest contrast available.
  • Oral contrast (for abdominal and pelvic procedures): Oral contrast is barium-based and, once ingested, will coat your stomach and intestines. The barium will show up in the imaging, allowing greater visualization. Patients receiving oral contrast are asked to arrive at our center one to three hours before their CT scan actually begins to allow time for them to drink the contrast agent and have it coat the stomach and intestines.

Please let us know in advance if you have any known allergies or have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast material.

Required lab values
For CT studies requiring IV contrast (head, neck, chest, abdominal and pelvic procedures), please notify us if you: 

  • Are 65 years or older
  • Are diabetic
  • Have only one kidney or known kidney problems
  • Have ever received chemotherapy 

Because your safety is a top priority at Abrazo Advanced Imaging, it is essential that you let us know in advance if you meet any of the above-mentioned criteria. Patients who will be receiving IV contrast and who fit any of the above criteria will need to have their lab values for BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and creatinine PRIOR to their scan to verify that their kidneys are functioning normally. Abrazo Advanced Imaging has invested in the i-STAT system that can provide BUN and creatinine results in as little as two minutes with a small sample of blood, allowing patients to get both their lab work and imaging studies completed in a single visit. 

CT Scan FAQ

Expand all

  • How long will my exam take?

  • What should I expect once I arrive for my exam?

  • Do I need to bring anything with me for my CT scan?

  • Is advance preparation required?

  • Abdomen and/or pelvis CTs:

  • Head or brain, neck and chest CTs:

Preparing for your exam
Wear comfortable clothing without any metal, such as sweat pants. You will lay flat on a table and be asked to remain still as the scanning equipment moves above you down the length of the table. The procedure is very simple and will take between 15 and 20 minutes. As with other medical procedures, if there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please let us know in advance.

When will I receive my exam results?
Your CT exam will produce a series of images, which one of our radiologists will read, looking for any abnormalities. In addition, the radiologist will compare your current exam with any prior exam results to determine any change in structure or shape. Once your results have been analyzed, they will be either phoned or forwarded to your referring physician who will discuss the findings with you.

Your exam results
One of our board-certified radiologists will read and analyze your exam. He or she will then forward the findings to your referring physician who will discuss them with you.

TMC Advanced Imaging Centers