Multi-Slice Spiral CT Scan

Multislice Spiral CT Scan is a diagnostic method that allows us to see inside the human body with the use of X-rays.

What is a computed tomography (CT or CAT Scan)?

The CT scanner uses X-rays to obtain sectional images of the human body. The images may be compared to the slices of a loaf of bread. Through the image sequence analysis, the radiologist obtains a 3 dimensional image of the body’s scanned area.

How does a Spiral CT Scan work?

The gantry is the part of the unit that contains the particular X-ray tube as well as multiple detectors. It is a doughnut shaped opening where the patient lies during the exam. The X-ray tube makes a complete 360-degree rotation in 324 milliseconds. An image is generated with each rotation and a slice of the information is gathered in solid state in the polycrystalline ceramic and chemical composition detectors, which are the heart of the scanner. The amount of absorbed energy is measured and the obtained data is sent to a computer, which further calculates the density of each area based on the numbers for each different structure.

This density is represented by a number that determines a specific shade of grey on a grey scale. The image obtained from the addition of all of these shades is printed on X-ray film, at ambient light, through a laser beam and a chemical-free thermal process; is recorded on a CD or sent to a server to be electronically transmitted to a remote computer.

We, at TecniScan, perform the following CT Scans:
Coronary Artery Tomography, Scanogram of the Lower Limbs, Abdomen, Forearm, Zygomatic Arch, Temporomandibular Joint, Base of Skull, Arms, Hips, Calcaneus (Heel Bone), Coronary Calcium Score, Cerebral, Collarbone, Elbows, *Colon, Spine, Heart, Neck, Fingers/Toes, *Enema, Esophagus, Breastbone, Femur, Glands, Liver, Sella Turcica [Turkish saddle], Shoulders, Larynx, Facial Bones, Hands, Mastoids, Maxillofacial, Wrists, Thighs, Nasopharynx, Ears, Orbits (Eye-Sockets), Parotids, Rib Cage, Pelvic, Feet, Legs, High Resolution Lung CT, Renal, Retroperitoneum, Knees, Sacro-Coccigeal, Paranasal Sinus, Thymus, Ankles, Chest, Urography.

Preparation:

A 2-hour fasting period.

Special preparations:

Colon CT Scan:
At 4:00 pm, one day prior to the exam drink 4 ounces of Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia. At 7:00 pm eat a “light” dinner which shall include steam-cooked vegetables and 4 ounces of Phillips’ Milk of Magnesia. You may drink water up until midnight.
The patient is asked to fast on the day of the exam.

Coronary Artery CT Scan

The Coronary Artery CT Scan is a non-invasive procedure that identifies, locates and determines the degree of narrowness in a coronary artery.

A 4-hr fast prior to the exam is required.

You should avoid smoking the night prior to the exam, as well as on the day of the exam.

Do not drink coffee, caffeinated sodas, tea or chocolate the night prior to the exam, as well as on the morning of the exam.
Bring a list of the names and corresponding dose of any prescribed medications, and present it when requested.

You may take the medications prescribed by your physician with a small sip of water, with the exception of the medication that lowers blood pressure.

If you have diabetes, do not take your pills or insulin on the morning of your procedure.

We suggest you come with a family member or friend who may return you to your activities, for it is advised not to drive nor operate any machinery after the procedure.
You should plan 2 to 3 hours for your CT.

Prior to the procedure, it is important that you advise the Radiologist or nurse if you suffer from:

Asthma
Allergy to Beta-Blockers
Low Blood Pressure
2nd – 3rd Degree Right Bundle Branch Block
Diabetes
If you are a woman and there is any possibility of pregnancy, or if breastfeeding.

**A Colon Tomography requires a 3D complement, which is only performed at our Diagnostic Center in “Multimédica”.
NOTE: If you are pregnant, suspect to be, or if breastfeeding, please advise before any scan is performed.
NOTE: In order to undergo a Coronary Artery Tomography, it is recommended to make a previous appointment through TecniScan on-line chat or PBX: 24293500.