About Your CT Scan

A CT (computed tomography) scan is an advanced and sophisticated diagnostic procedure in which a special Xray system is used to rotate around the head or body. It produces a 3-dimensional cross-section of an area of the body — “slice” by “slice.” It completely reconstructs the image, displays it and permanently records it.

What Are the Benefits of a CT Scan?

Because a CT scan can better distinguish between organs, it can detect certain conditions not found by other exams or procedures, including ordinary X-rays. In addition, it usually takes between 30 minutes to one hour to perform, and can replace the need for exploratory surgery.

What to Expect

  • A contrast medium (a substance containing iodine) may be injected through a vein (intravenously) or administered orally. Some patients may receive both an intravenous and oral contrast media. The contrast medium allows certain parts of the body to be highlighted.
  • You will be asked to lie still in a cool room during the exam and will be given specific instructions depending on the area of the body to be scanned.
  • While the CT scan machine is operating, it will make clicking sounds. In an adjoining room, the technologist, who can see and hear you, monitors the exam. You will be able to talk with the technologist through an intercom system.
  • After the examination is interpreted by the radiologist, a written report will be sent to your physician.

The Radiation Dose

Although the dose of radiation delivered in a CT scan depends upon many variables, including the number of “slices” being taken and other technical factors, the procedure is generally very safe. Please inform the technologist if you think you may be pregnant.

If you have any questions regarding your procedure, please contact the CT scan supervisor at 732-923-1347, the chief technologist at 732-923-6800 or the medical physicist at 732-923-6811.

Click here for the informational brochure, available as a PDF (portable document format) file.