Ct scan how long for results

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To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Top of the page. Test Overview A computed tomography CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside of the body. Chest thorax. A CT scan of the chest can look for problems with the lungs, the heart, the esophagus , or the major blood vessel aorta or the tissues in the centre of the chest.

Some common chest problems a CT scan may find include infection, lung cancer , a pulmonary embolism , and an aneurysm. It also can be used to see if cancer has spread into the chest from another area of the body. A CT scan of the abdomen can find cysts , abscesses , infection, tumours, an aneurysm, enlarged lymph nodes , foreign objects, bleeding in the belly, diverticulitis , inflammatory bowel disease , and appendicitis.

Urinary tract. This type of scan can find kidney stones , bladder stones, or blockage of the urinary tract. A special type of CT scan, called a CT intravenous pyelogram IVP , uses injected dye contrast material to look for kidney stones, blockage, growths, infection, or other diseases of the urinary tract. A CT scan can find liver tumours, bleeding from the liver, and liver diseases. A CT scan of the liver can help determine the cause of jaundice.

A CT scan can find a tumour in the pancreas or inflammation of the pancreas pancreatitis. Gallbladder and bile ducts. A CT scan can be used to check for blockage of the bile ducts. Gallstones occasionally show up on a CT scan. But other tests, such as ultrasound , usually are used to find problems with the gallbladder and bile ducts. Adrenal glands. A CT scan can find tumours or enlarged adrenal glands.

A CT scan can be used to check for an injury to the spleen or the size of the spleen. A CT scan can look for problems of organs in the pelvis. For a woman, these include the uterus , ovaries , and fallopian tubes. For a man, the pelvic organs include the prostate gland and the seminal vesicles. Arm or leg. A CT scan can look for problems of the arms or legs, including the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, knee, ankle, or foot.

Are allergic to any medicines, including iodine dyes. Have a heart condition, such as heart failure. Have diabetes. Take metformin.

You may have to adjust your medicine for a day before and after the test. Have had kidney problems. Have asthma. Have had multiple myeloma. Have had an X-ray test using barium contrast material such as a barium enema in the past 4 days.

Barium shows up on X-ray films and makes it hard to see the picture clearly. Become very nervous in small spaces. You need to lie still inside the CT scanner, so you may need a medicine sedative to help you relax. How It Feels The test will not cause pain.

Risks The chance of a CT scan causing a problem is small. There is a chance of an allergic reaction to the dye contrast material. If you breastfeed and are concerned about whether the dye used in this test is safe, talk to your doctor. Most experts believe that very little dye passes into breast milk and even less is passed on to the baby. But if you prefer, you can store some of your breast milk ahead of time and use it for a day or two after the test.

If you have diabetes or take metformin Glucophage , the dye may cause problems. Your doctor will tell you when to stop taking metformin and when to start taking it again after the test so you will not have problems. There is a small chance of getting cancer from having some types of CT scans. If you are concerned about this risk, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of a CT scan and confirm that the test is needed. Results A computed tomography CT scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside the body.

CT scan Normal: The organs and blood vessels are normal in size, shape, and location. No bleeding or collections of fluid are present. Abnormal: An organ is too large or too small, damaged, or infected. Foreign objects such as metal or glass fragments are present. One or more blood vessels are blocked. A growth, fracture, infection, or other problem is found in an arm or leg. What Affects the Test The following may stop you from having the test or may change the test results: Pregnancy.

CT scans are not usually done during pregnancy. Barium used for another test. Barium shows up on a CT scan. If you have just received one of many diagnostic tests to identify disease, injury, or ailment, chances are you are waiting anxiously for the radiology report. Mammograms are used to diagnose breast cancer. Mammograms are recommended after the age of 40 for most women and should be received annually. Unfortunately, the test results for a mammogram are not immediate.

For most women, it takes around 2 weeks to receive the results. CT Scans are one of the few tests where your doctor or radiology can receive test results nearly immediately. Within 24 hours, your doctor will receive a written radiology report, as well as copies of the images for their own inspection. MRI or magnetic resonance imaging employs the use of a large magnet to create very detailed images of the body.

Try to avoid wearing jewellery and clothes containing metal such as zips , as these will need to be removed. Before having the scan, you may be given a special dye called a contrast to help improve the quality of the images. This may be swallowed in the form of a drink, passed into your bottom enema , or injected into a blood vessel. Tell the radiographer if you feel anxious or claustrophobic about having the scan. They can give you advice to help you feel calm and can arrange for you to have a sedative medication to help you relax if necessary.

Before the scan starts, you may be asked to remove your clothing and put on a gown. You'll also be asked to remove anything metal, such as jewellery, as metal interferes with the scanning equipment. During the scan, you'll usually lie on your back on a flat bed that passes into the CT scanner. The scanner consists of a ring that rotates around a small section of your body as you pass through it. Unlike an MRI scan , the scanner doesn't surround your whole body at once, so you shouldn't feel claustrophobic.

The radiographer will operate the scanner from the next room. While the scan is taking place, you'll be able to hear and speak to them through an intercom. While each scan is taken, you'll need to lie very still and breathe normally. This ensures that the scan images aren't blurred. You may be asked to breathe in, breathe out, or hold your breath at certain points. You shouldn't experience any after-effects from a CT scan and can usually go home soon afterwards.

You can eat and drink, go to work and drive as normal.