CT Scans
A CT (computed tomography) scan is a diagnostic medical imaging procedure that uses X-rays and computer technology to produce detailed images of the body's internal structures. It allows healthcare professionals to visualise bones, organs, and soft tissues in a non-invasive way and is commonly used to diagnose and monitor a wide range of medical conditions.
Our advanced radiology equipment delivers increased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity.
The technology includes gout detection, kidney stone differentiation and bone oedema (which helps differentiate old and new fractures in osteoporotic patients), allowing clinical management pathways to be altered to benefit patients.
Please advise us:
- If you have had an adverse reaction to a previous contrast injection or other drugs or if you have any renal impairment.
- If you are or think you may be pregnant.
- If you have any metal around the area being examined (e.g.: jewellery, dentures, metal buttons etc)
- If you have had any previous injuries or surgery to the area being examined.
Please bring along your referral, Medicare card and any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned.
- Abdomen & pelvis (liver, pancreas, adrenal glands, spleen, bowel, kidneys, bladder): Do not eat anything for 3 hours prior to your appointment. Stay well hydrated. Arrive 1 hour prior to your appointment to drink an oral contrast solution.
- Brain/head, soft tissue neck, chest & KUB (kidney, ureters & bladder): Nothing to eat for 3 hours prior to appointment.
- Angiogram: Nothing to eat for 3 hours prior to the appointment.
- Spine & extremities: No preparation. If the patient is over 60 or they are diabetic a recent renal function test should be obtained, which is valid for 3 months.
Depending on the examination, you may need to get changed into a patient gown.
The Radiographer ensures that you are comfortable in the position required to examine the region of interest, this may require you to lie on your back, side or tummy.
Some examinations require the injection of contrast dye, which the technician will explain prior to the test to gain informed consent as well as explain and answer any questions you may have.
This contrast dye is used to enhance the appearance of structures in the region we are to scan, to give the Radiologist more information and increase visualisation of pathology.
Scans can take anywhere from five (5) to thirty (30) minutes to complete, depending on the scan type. Rest assured you will be made comfortable throughout the whole scan time.
- Ensuring an increased intake of water to hydrate and flush the contrast dye out
- The Radiographer will give further instructions if required
- Your results will be ready to discuss with your referring doctor within two (2) business days
- Images for your scan can be given to you on a CD, which can be useful for specialist appointments.
Allergic reactions to contrast material can occur but significant reactions are rare, and generally respond to adrenaline. Our staff members are equipped and trained to treat contrast reactions.
The Radiographer will be able to answer any questions related to the contrast dye and administration of it for the scan.
CT Cardiac
CT Coronary Angiograms are specialised scans to assess the coronary arteries in a minimally invasive way. If referred by a specialist, these scans are bulk billed at WiSE.
These scans require preparation to lower the heart rate, in order for the scan to be successful and diagnostic for reporting. The scan can take between 15-30 minutes, with some patients having to wait prior to the scan to bring down their heart rate.
Please expect to be at our clinic for a few hours and note that you can carry on with all normal activities after your scan. Due to the speciality of this scan, results will be available to your specialist within 3 days.
If you are booking in a CT Calcium Score, please note that your GP or specialist can refer you for this scan - incurs non-rebatable private fee of $160.
Please book directly with our radiology department, as they will advise on correct preparation for the scan as well as answer any queries.