CT Scanning Services
A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan or Computed Tomography, is a special kind of X-ray that takes pictures of a cross-section of a part of your body. CT scans may be used to find certain changes inside your body that regular X-rays cannot find. These are useful for quickly diagnosing traumatic injuries and visualizing skeletal areas of the body like the spine, chest and skull.
Sharper Images Through Advanced Tech
CT machines use x-rays to produce sharp contrasting images of the body.
A CT scanner is comprised of an X-ray tube that moves around your body and sends signals to a computer, which uses those signals to create an image. At our facility, we use a G.E. LightSpeed 16 Slice CT Scanner to produce our images. Your images, along with our report, will be made available immediately to your designated physician(s).
Learn More About Computed Tomography
How to Prepare for a CT Scan
There are a variety of different methods for taking a CT scan. Depending on the method your doctor has requested, you may be asked to follow certain instructions before your arrival. Read below for preparation instructions for your specific type of exam.
Some CT scans require a contrast agent (dye). CT scans without contrast usually do not require special preparation. If your CT requires IV or oral contrast, you may be told not to eat or drink for four hours before the exam. You can, however, take any prescription medication you might need with a small sip of water during this time.
For this exam. it’s important that you notify us if you are, or think you might be, pregnant. Be sure to follow all instructions given for your exam, and feel free to ask questions if you do not fully understand the preparation requirements. You can view additional information on this exam below.
Preparing for a CT Scan by Exam Type
- For CT scans that are ordered with IV contrast: Fast for four (4) hours before the exam. Any prescribed medication should be taken as directed.
- For CT scans ordered without contrast: You do not need to fast for this exam. If you are on prescribed medication, take as directed.
- For CT scans of the abdomen: You will receive an oral contrast that must be taken 30 minutes before the exam. This contrast will be given to you upon arrival, so expect a 30-minute delay to the start of your scan.
- For CT scans of the pelvis: You will receive an oral contrast that must be taken one (1) hour before the exam. This contrast will be given to you upon arrival, so expect a 60-minute delay to the start of your scan.
- For CT scans of the kidneys: This does not require any contrast. This study can begin immediately upon arrival.
- Before the scan, it is important to let us know if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to X-ray dye or if you are allergic to iodine.
- If you are diabetic, please let us know if you are taking Glucophage, Glucovancel, or Metformin. If so, the staff will ask you to stop taking your medication for 48 hours after the CT. Additionally, your doctor will give you any special instructions that you may need prior to your scheduled CT appointment.
- If you are diabetic and taking Metformin, you will need recent (less than 30 days) kidney chemistry blood work, including a blood urea nitrogen, BUN test and a creatinine blood test. These must be normal for you to receive the contrast.
- On some abdominal CT scans, you may be asked to drink contrast material. If your referring physician needs to order an Abdominal CT scan with an oral (by mouth) contrast, you may be asked to arrive an hour before your scan so you have enough time to drink the contrast before the CT is performed.
- You will be provided with all necessary information about your scan prior to arrival, including specific preparation instructions.
What to Expect at Your Exam
- You may be asked to change clothes and wear a gown for your exam.
- We recommend that you wear comfortable, athletic-style clothing without metal fasteners. You may need to wear an exam gown during the study because snaps, zippers, hooks, belt buckles, and any other metal objects on your clothing could affect the quality of the images.
- A certified technologist will place you on a comfortable, padded table that is connected to the CT scanner. The table will move a short distance every few seconds to position you in the scanner. It is very important that you lie completely still during the scan.
- If your scan requires an IV contrast material (dye), it will be given at this time. Contrast is used to outline blood vessels or organs to make them easier to see. You may feel a brief flush or a metallic taste in your mouth from the contrast. This should pass.
- The machine will not touch you and the scan should be painless.
- Should you have any discomfort during the test or after the injection, inform the technologist.
- A CT exam takes approximately 5-10 minutes. However, the exam could take longer depending on what protocol is required.
Make an Appointment
(337) 703-6400
(337) 703-6430 fax
1025 Kaliste Saloom Road, Suite 101, Lafayette, LA 70508
1122 S. Bernard Rd, Suite A Broussard, LA 70518
What to Bring to Your Appointment
For a stress-free exam day, patients are encouraged to complete all registration paperwork in advance and upload a copy of their insurance card and personal ID online. If this information is provided prior to the appointment, there is no need to bring it with you on exam day. Here’s a quick list of important things you should bring to your appointment:
Insurance card
*If you did not upload this online in advance of your appointment.
Identification card
Driver’s license or personal ID (if you did not upload this online in advance of your appointment)