CT Head

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles around your body and uses computer processing to create image slices of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissue inside your body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays.

Depending on what your medical provider is looking for, this test may be ordered with or without IV contrast.

What Is Intravenous Contrast (IV) Media?

In order to see the blood vessels and body tissues on the scan, the technologist must inject contrast media into a vein. Some people refer to this as “dye” although it’s not like the dye you might use at home. These contrast media are liquid solutions that contain iodine and show up on X-rays. It is removed from the body through the kidneys but will not change the color of your urine.

What to Bring

• Your medical provider’s order (Your medical provider may have already sent this to us.)
• Personal ID
• Insurance card
• Medication list and dosages
• Any required screening forms

How to Prepare

• You should inform your medical provider if you have any allergies to contrast materials.
• Please leave valuable jewelry at home.
• If you are pregnant or think you might be, please inform the imaging technologist.
• If you have a history of kidney problems, you should inform the technologist.
• If you have had an adverse reaction during a prior CT, you should inform the technologist.
• If you are wearing an on-body medication pump, you should inform the technologist.

What to Expect

• This is a noninvasive exam.
• During the exam, you will be placed on a table and positioned inside the center of a large ring-like scanner. The machine makes a minimal amount of noise, and the table moves forward and backward. The study is not painful.
• You may be asked to remove jewelry, glasses and any metal objects that may interfere with the images.
• If your medical provider ordered IV contrast, the technologist will start an IV in a vein in your arm. The contrast will be injected through the IV and may make you feel warm or flushed.
• Please allow 30 minutes from the time you check in to the completion of the test.

Screening Forms for This Test

None required.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Scheduling between 7 am and 5:30 pm.
Hammond: (985) 230-7777
Livingston: (225) 686-4899

If you are a medical provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6781.