Computed tomography (CT) scans are a non-invasive and advanced form of X-ray. CTs captures a series of cross-sectional images, also known as slices, to provide clear views of internal organs that a traditional X-ray cannot see. CT studies can evaluate patients for inflammation, infection, malignancy, and traumatic injuries to the internal organs. Oftentimes, these studies are used prior to surgery for exploratory preparation for more invasive procedures, or post-surgery to monitor recovery.
Computed Tomography (CT)
What Are The Different Types of CTs?
Your doctor may order a CT scan for a variety of reasons including trauma evaluation, screening, and post-surgery follow-up. Larchmont Imaging offers diagnostic and advanced CT imaging studies to uncover key insights about your well-being. Here are some common types of CT studies:
- Head CT: Detects medical conditions and abnormalities affecting the brain and skull.
- Chest CT: Provides detailed images of the chest including heart, lungs, blood vessels, and surrounding structures.
- Abdominal CT: Examines the organs in the abdomen including the liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and intestine.
- Pelvic CT: Focuses on the organs in the pelvis such as the bladder, uterus, ovaries, prostate, and rectum.
- Spine CT: Captures detailed images of the spine including vertebrae, discs, and surrounding tissues.
- Sinus CT: Provides detailed views of the sinuses, air filled spaces in the facial bones surrounding the nose.
- Virtual Colonoscopy: Non-invasive method used to examine the colon and rectum to screen for colorectal cancer.
Our CT Imaging Locations
Larchmont Imaging offers CT imaging services across 4 of our office locations. Each one of our office locations offers same-day and next-day appointment options with many offices offering evening and weekend hours to meet your busy schedule. Get the compassionate and comprehensive care you need fast.
CT Frequently Asked Questions
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be greeted by a CT technologist who will guide you to lie down on a table. In some cases, we may administer contrast dye, which can help better highlight the areas being examined.
The table you lie on will slide in and out of the scanner periodically during the scan. At the same time, a series of X-rays will rotate around you, capturing the images that will help your doctor make a diagnosis to form the proper treatment plan for you. At times, our technologist may request you to hold your breath briefly to eliminate any motion blur.
CTs only take about 10 – 20 minutes to complete. Following your CT scan, you will be able to leave the imaging center on your own and continue your normal, daily routine.
Our team of skilled, friendly CT technologists at Larchmont Imaging will provide specific guidelines to follow regarding your appointment. Here are the important guidelines to follow:
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment.
- Wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing that doesn’t contain any metal including jewelry, belts, or buttons.
- Avoid eating or drinking in the hours prior to your CT. Based on the specific details for your exam, our staff at Larchmont Imaging will provide specific time periods to restrict eating or drinking.
- If you have any specific medical conditions or medications you take, please inform your referring doctor or our staff at Larchmont Imaging.
A CT scan has many benefits that outweigh any of the negatives that may come with it. CTs use a very small amount of radiation to better highlight the areas of the body being studied. CT studies expose you to less radiation than many various items in the environment around you including televisions, phones, airplanes, and much more.
At Larchmont Medical Imaging, all of our medical imaging techniques are compliant with national guidelines to ensure radiation exposure is kept to a minimum.
After your appointment, one of our subspecialized radiologists will analyze the results and develop a detailed report for your referring doctor. Your doctor will receive the report within 48 hours and follow up with you to go over the results.
Larchmont Imaging is in-network with 99% of insurance carriers. Please contact your insurance carrier to inquire about Larchmont’s in-network status. Some insurance companies may try to direct you to their preferred radiology center. As the patient, you have the right to choose if you would like your study performed at Larchmont Imaging.
Personalized care for every patient, every time
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