Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices) of the body.

A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including bones, muscles, organs and other tissues.

CT makes it possible to diagnose some diseases earlier and more accurately and will assist you and your doctor in treatment decisions.

The following will be completed before you exam is performed:

• Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions. For some exams, you can’t eat solid food four hours prior to your scheduled exam. You may have clear liquids (black coffee, tea and broth). If you have further questions, you may contact our Imaging Reception desk at 503-561-5292.
• You may take your regular medications with sips of water. Patients taking diabetic medication should discuss this with their doctor.
• Women should inform their doctor and the CT technologist if they are pregnant or may be pregnant. In some cases, an alternate study will be performed to reduce or eliminate radiation exposure to the fetus.
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid zippers and snaps as metal objects can alter the image. You may be asked to remove hairpins, jewelry, eyeglasses, hearing aids, dental work or clothing. A gown will be provided if needed.  

During registration, you will be asked to complete a brief questionnaire about your medical history, medications and allergies. Notify the technologist if you have had a reaction to contrast dye.

You may be asked to drink four to six glasses of barium (a white, milky liquid) during the hour before you enter the CT suite. This allows visibility of the abdomen and pelvis. If the colon is the focus of the study, you may be required to take the contrast material by enema.

Some exams require contrast to be injected directly into a vein, to enhance the visibility of certain tissues. If this is indicated, an IV (intravenous) line will be placed in a vein in your hand or arm before the procedure.

The staff will bring you back to the CT scan room to lie on the exam table. Pillows and positioning devices will be used to assist with your comfort and to provide support for the exam.

It is important to lie still during your exam. While the CT procedure is painless, having to lie still for the length of the procedure may cause some discomfort.

The technologist will make you as comfortable as possible and complete the procedure as quickly as possible. During the brief scan, the technologist will be outside, near the CT controls.

Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with you. Once the scan begins, you will hear the scanner tube rotate.

You may be asked to hold your breath for a brief period of time as images are acquired.

If contrast dye is used for your procedure, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. It is normal to experience a brief warm, flushed sensation, a metallic taste in your mouth, and sometimes, the sensation of “wetting your pants.”

If these occur, they usually only last a few moments. If at any time, you feel itching or have difficulty breathing, report this to the technologist. Each exam is tailored to the patient.

Our skilled and trained technologists will assure the most accurate images are acquired as quickly as possible. They will review the images and may re-position you for additional images if needed.

For more information or to pre-register, please call 503-561-3499.

Once the exam is complete, your IV line, if placed, will be removed. Following your exam, you may resume your normal activities.

A radiologist will review the images and provide a report to your doctor.

Talk with your doctor to obtain the results. Your doctor may ask you to wait for exam results in some situations.