Diagnostic
Services
Radiology
Services - Computed
Tomography (CT SCAN) |
What
will I experience during the procedure?
CT scanning causes no pain, and with spiral CT, the need
to lie still for any length of time is reduced. For different
parts of the body, your preparation will vary. You may be
asked to swallow a liquid contrast material that allows
the radiologist to better see the stomach, small bowel and
colon. Some patients find the taste mildly unpleasant, but
most can easily tolerate it. Your exam may require the administration
of the material by enema if your colon is the focus of the
study. You will experience a sense of abdominal fullness
and may feel an increasing need to expel the liquid. Be
patient; the mild discomfort will not last long.
A contrast material is usually injected into a vein to better
define the blood vessels and kidneys, and to accentuate
the appearance between normal and abnormal tissue in organs
such as the liver and spleen. Some people report feeling
a flush of heat or a metallic taste in the back of the mouth.
These sensations usually disappear within a minute or two.
Others experience a mild itching sensation. Persistent itching
accompanied by hives (small bumps on the skin) can be treated
easily with medication.
In very rare cases, a patient may become short of breath
or experience swelling in the throat or other parts of the
body. These can be indications of a more serious reaction
to the contrast material that should be treated promptly,
so tell the technologist immediately if you experience these
symptoms. Fortunately, with the safety of modern contrast
materials, these adverse effects are very rare.
You will be alone in the room during the procedure; however,
the technologist can see, hear and speak with you at all
times. For children, a parent may be allowed in the room
with the child to alleviate fear, but may be required to
wear a lead apron to prevent radiation exposure.
Who
interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist, who is a physician experienced in CT scan
and other imaging examinations, will analyze the images,
describe any abnormalities, and suggest a likely diagnosis.
The radiologist will then send a signed report to your attending
physician. Results can be obtained 12-24 hours after the
procedure is completed.
Like
other specialists, a radiologist must be a graduate of an
accredited medical school, passed a licensing examination,
and completed at least four years of residency. Radiologists
are usually certified by either the Philippine Board of
Radiology or the Philippine Osteopathic Board of Radiology.
The
CT Scan Room is located at the Upper Ground Floor. For inquiries,
please call us at (63 2) 771-9000 to 02 ext. 8133.
