CT - LOW DOSE
CT - LOW DOSE available at:
PRP Adamstown ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4940 8599
PRP Bathurst ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 6331 3200
PRP Castle Hill ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9634 4444
PRP Charlestown ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4920 8555
PRP Cumberland ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9896 3222
PRP Dee Why ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9981 3000
PRP Dubbo ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 6882 4888
PRP Eastwood ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9858 1500
PRP Erina ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4367 7100
PRP Frenchs Forest ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9451 1062
PRP Gordon ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9498 2500
PRP Gosford ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4331 7050
PRP Gosford North ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4324 0006
PRP Hornsby ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9482 1211
PRP Maitland ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4004 5500
PRP Mona Vale ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 9997 7411
PRP Moore Park/City East ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 8075 3400
PRP Norwest ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 8881 8800
PRP Orange ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 6376 9000
PRP Shellharbour ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4297 3332
PRP Toukley ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4397 1791
PRP Tuggerah ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4355 4790
PRP Westmead ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 8892 2950
PRP Wollongong ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4226 9711
PRP Woy Woy ALL REFERRALS ACCEPTED
T: 4341 3500
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CT Explained
An x-ray examination of a part of your body with computer-generated, cross-sectional images of your insides. It may require intravenous injection of contrast medium into a vein, usually at your elbow or back of the hand.
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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. We will ask you to complete a questionnaire before the examination and sign a consent to the contrast injection if it is required for your examination.
Please advise us if you are, or think you may be, pregnant.
Please bring your referral, Medicare and Pension Health Care Cards with any previous imaging relating to the region being scanned.
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Preparation | Spine, Bones and Joints
No preparation required.
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Preparation | Head and Chest
Fast 2 hours. Keep well hydrated.
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Preparation | Abdomen and Pelvis
Fast 4 hours. One hour before your examination time drink 1 litre of water over 15 minutes.
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Preparation | CT Enterography
Fast 12 hours, but drink water as required for thirst. After you arrive you will be given a drink which will fill your stomach and small bowel. The scan is done when this has reached the large bowel, usually 30-60 minutes after drinking.
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Preparation | CT colonography (sometimes called CT colography)
Three-day preparation of dietary restriction and laxatives to completely clean out your colon. For a good quality examination it is essential that your colon be completely clean. You will need to collect the preparation instructions from our practice beforehand.
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What happens during your procedure
After the preparation for your particular examination, and your consent if a contrast injection is to be given, you change into a gown (except for head scans), then lie on a bed which slides through the opening in the scanner. The bed will go through the scanner once for the planning scan, then once for each scan. Some scans such as liver CT may require multiple scans over a few minutes as the contrast flows through.
CT coronary angiography may require intravenous beta-blockers just beforehand to slow the heart rate to less than 60.
CT colonography requires the colon to be inflated with air or carbon dioxide through a tube into the rectum, then scans are taken on your back and then on your stomach. For CT colonography and CT enteroclysis you may be given intravenous Buscopan to paralyse the bowel for a short while.
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How long does it take?
After the preparation, the scan itself takes about 15 minutes.
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Special precautions
You may not be able to have the contrast injection if you have had a reaction to a previous injection, or have significant renal failure.
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After Your Examination
Have a high fluid intake for 24 hours to flush out the contrast.
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Possible Complications
Allergic reactions to contrast material can occur but significant reactions are rare, and generally respond to adrenalin. Our staff members are equipped and trained to treat contrast reactions.
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Your images and report
After your examination, you will be given a copy of the most pertinent images from your study. A report will be given to you with the images, or sent directly back to your referring doctor by fax or email. PRP will store digital copies of all studies on our secure database for comparison with any future examinations.
Please bring any previous x-rays with you for comparison.
It is important that you return to your doctor with your examination results. Whether they are normal or abnormal, your doctor needs to know promptly so that a management plan can be formulated.
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Special instructions for diabetics
If your examination requires fasting, then book an early morning appointment and have your breakfast and diabetic medication after the examination.
If your examination will require an intravenous injection of contrast medium, we need to know your renal function. Please bring along the results of your most recent blood test creatinine level.
This content is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you would like any clarifications, please contact your local practice.