Depending on the body part that is being examined, the technologist may ask the patient to change into a medical gown. Not all exams require the patient to change into a gown. The patient will be asked to lay face up on a table that slides into the CT scanner. The technologist will then leave to the exam control room where they can see and hear the patient. They will be able to communicate with you via an intercom and guide you through the exam. The table will slowly move the patient into the scanner and the CT-Scan machine will rotate around them. The patient will hear subtle clicking, buzzing and whirring noises during the scan. The table will then move in a few millimeters at a time until the exam is finished. The exam may take anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes per body part. The duration may also vary if the patient’s exam requires contrast, as the patient may need to be injected or drink the liquid contrast.
It is very important that the patient lay still while the CT images are being taken because the movement can cause blurry pictures. During the test, the technologist may ask the patient to hold their breath for a short period of time to prevent the chest from moving up and down.
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