How to prepare for an abdomen and pelvis MRI scan, and what to expect
Your doctor has recommended that you get an abdomen and pelvis MRI scan to get a closer look at the organs and tissues…
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CT
At Gateway Diagnostic Imaging, we offer CT scans in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Abilene, where our imaging centers use state-of-the-art CT technology to provide fast, accurate, and detailed results.
What is a CT Scan
CT scans are a non-invasive, painless way to help your healthcare provider to diagnose a variety of conditions and plan your treatment effectively.
A CT scan combines X-ray technology with advanced computer imaging to create detailed cross-sectional images of your body.
This powerful diagnostic tool gives your healthcare provider a highly accurate look inside the different areas of your body.
CT Scans We Perform
Our imaging centers offer several different CT scans so we can meet all of your diagnostic imaging needs:
- Chest CT: Useful for detecting lung conditions, infections, and tumors
- Abdominal and pelvic CT: Helps diagnose conditions like kidney stones, appendicitis, and abdominal masses
- Brain CT: Critical for identifying strokes, brain injuries, and tumors
- Bone and joint CT: Helpful for evaluating fractures and joint issues
CT angiography: Effective for showing blood vessels, blockages, and aneurysms
How to Prepare for Your CT Scan
Depending on the CT scan you’re getting, your healthcare provider may give you instructions for how to get ready for your specific scan. Be sure to follow your provider’s instructions.
- What to eat and drink: For some scans, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before your appointment.
- What to wear: Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and remove any metal objects like jewelry, glasses, or belts. Metal can interfere with the accuracy of your CT results.
- What to bring: Be sure to bring along your insurance card, identification, a list of prescription medications you’re taking, and any other important health information, like a list of allergies.
Contrast Material
Some CT scans use contrast material, which highlights certain areas of your body that can be harder to see on CT results, making the images clearer. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need contrast for your scan.
Contrast is usually given through an IV, but it can also be given orally or rectally, depending on the CT scan. If you have any allergies or a medical condition, please let your CT technologist know.
What to Expect During Your CT Scan
Your CT scan will take between 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your circumstances, and on the scan your provider ordered.
During the scan, you’ll lie on a moving table that slides slowly into the CT machine, which is shaped like a large doughnut.
Your CT technologist will move the area of your body being scanned into the machine, while you lie as still as possible, to ensure the images are accurate.
The technologist can see and hear you the whole time, and you can speak with them through an intercom, so they can guarantee you’re comfortable.
Why You Should Choose Gateway For Your CT
We know convenience and affordability are important to you, so we make sure our imaging centers are accessible, anywhere you’re located:
- Pay how you’d like: We accept major insurance plans like Blue Cross® and Blue Shield®, UnitedHealthcare®, Aetna®, and Cigna®, as well as CareCredit®, and we offer a financial assistance program
- Locations near you: We have 13 imaging centers located across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and Abilene, near major highways and hospitals, with extended hours and weekend hours available
We’re proud to be accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), which has recognized our commitment to excellence in diagnostic imaging, and our adherence to their nationally recognized standards for quality, safety, and patient care.
FAQs
Can I get a CT scan without a doctor’s order?
You will need a referral from a healthcare provider to schedule an CT scan. Healthcare providers, such as your primary care doctor or a specialist, typically order imaging tests like CTs based on your symptoms, medical history, or the need for further evaluation. They assess whether an CT is necessary for your specific situation. In addition, your healthcare providers referral and clinical notes are typically used by your insurance to verify and approve coverage for the CT scan.
How much does a CT scan cost?
The cost of an CT scan can be very different based on where you are, like which city, state or country you reside in. It also depends on where you go to get the CT scan, like a hospital or an independent outpatient imaging center. As an outpatient center, Gateway Diagnostic Imaging provides an affordable option for patients.
The type of CT scan you need, such as with contrast, and whether you have health insurance will also affect the cost. If you have insurance, they might cover some of the cost, but you might still need to pay some money. You can also talk to your insurance company to understand what they will cover.
Learn more about the costs associated with an CT scan in Dallas-Fort Worth.
What does a CT scan detect?
A CT scan is used to identify a variety of health issues in the body. Some of these issue are:
- Injuries: If you have a broken bone or trauma to an organ.
- Infections: CT scans can show infections to internal organs.
- Blood Vessels: It can check if your blood vessels are okay and find issues like blockages.
- Lung and Breathing Problems: It helps see things like pneumonia, COPD or other problems with your lungs.
- Stomach Issues: For stomach problems like pain or digestion issues, a CT scan can find out what’s going on.
- Brain and Nervous System: It’s used to check if there are any issues with your brain and spine.
- Back Problems: If your back hurts, a CT scan can find problems with your spine.
How long does a CT scan take?
How long your CT scan will take depends on the area of the body to be scanned, the number of body parts to be scanned, and if your scan requires contrast or not. Typically, a CT scan will take between 10-30 minutes to complete.
How soon can I get my CT scan?
Gateway offers appointment options as soon as the same day or next day for your CT scan at our 12 locations throughout Dallas-Fort Worth metro area and in Abilene.
Is there any prep required for a CT scan?
Preparing for a CT scan is fairly simple.
- Wear Comfortable Clothing: In most cases, you can wear comfortable clothing without metal fastenings or zippers. However, for some scans, you may be asked to wear a hospital gown.
- Remove Metal Objects: Metal objects can interfere with the CT images. Remove jewelry, eyeglasses, and other metal accessories before the scan. You may be asked to leave them in a locker.
- Check for Allergies: If you have a known allergy to contrast dye (if it’s required for your CT scan), inform your healthcare provider in advance.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, let your healthcare provider know. In some cases, alternative imaging methods may be considered to minimize radiation exposure.
- Follow Any Additional Instructions: Your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions based on the type of CT scan you are having. Follow these instructions carefully.
- Read more about how to prepare for a CT.
Will my doctor have access to my scans?
Yes, your doctor has access to your scans through the GDI portal, Synapse
Why do I need to get a scan with contrast?
A CT with contrast enhances the subtle difference in tones that are ordinarily not visible on a scan. In addition to highlighting vascular structures, it can also be an indicator of which other areas of the body are impacted, which provides valuable insight for treatment.
Is a CT scan safe?
Radiation doses from modern CT scanners are typically kept as low as reasonably achievable while still obtaining high-quality images. Various measures are in place to minimize exposure during CT scans, such as using shielding and adjusting the scan parameters based on the individual’s size and the area being examined.
What can a CT scan show that an MRI cannot?
Both CT and MRI scans are valuable techniques but have differences in their visualization capabilities. CT scans are excellent for bone imaging, metallic implants, lung imaging, and identification of calcifications or calcified tissues. CT scans are often used in emergency situations due to their speed, making them valuable for quickly assessing traumatic injuries or acute conditions. Read more about the difference between an MRI vs a CT scan
Can I get a CT if I am claustrophobic?
Yes, CT scans are more open, faster, and less restrictive in comparison to MRI scanning, which can make the process more tolerable for individuals with claustrophobia. Depending on the severity of your claustrophobia, your healthcare provider may be able to prescribe a medication to alleviate anxiety during the scan. We are unable to provide any medication or sedation from the imaging center.
Will I have any dietary restrictions before my CT scan.
Your healthcare provider and imaging center will let you know. It depends on the type of scan you are getting. You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything except for water before the appointment. Read more about how to prepare for your CT scan
Can I get a CT scan while breastfeeding?
Yes, you can. Please inform your imaging center that you are breastfeeding prior to your appointment. The presence of contrast in your breast milk is less than 1% and does not post any harm to you or your baby. If you choose to abstain from breastfeeding after your exam, you are encouraged to prepare for this by pumping your breast milk prior to your appointment.
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