Western Baptist Hospital provides patients with information on what to expect when undergoing a CT scan.

What is CT?

CT or CAT scan stands for computerized assisted tomography. A CT scan is an x-ray procedure enhanced by a computer. This results in a two- or three-dimensional view (referred to as a slice or cross-sectional) of a particular part of your body. It is like selecting a slice of bread out of a loaf.

Prior to the start of your CT exam, a technologist will explain the procedure to you. You may need to hold your breath at times and an IV in your arm may be necessary if a contrast medium or dye is required. It is very important not to move during the exam. You will be positioned on a scan table. Then you will be moved into the scanner, which is an open chamber. The technologist will have you in full view at all times and be in constant communication via two-way microphones and monitors. During this brief time, you will hear humming of the equipment as it produces the images. The scan table will move as different images are produced.

The length of time for the exam varies, depending on the study. A radiologist (a physician specializing in x-ray) will interpret the study and a written report will be sent to your personal physician who ordered the exam.

Registering for the Exam

Western Baptist Hospital's Express Check program makes registering for outpatient tests fast and easy. To take advantage of the program, follow these simple steps:

1. As soon as your physician schedules you for your CT exam, call our pre-registration area at (270) 575-2979. Pre-registration clerks are available 24 hours a day seven days a week to take your phone call. Even if you are scheduled for a test or procedure the same day, it is still to your advantage to call ahead to begin the registration process.
2. Be ready to provide the registration clerk with the following information:
   • your medical record number, if you are familiar with it and you have registered at Western Baptist before;
   • your date of birth;
   • your social security number;
   • your home address;
   • the specific tests or procedures the physician has ordered; and
   • your insurance card.
3. If the clerk is able to complete your paperwork in this phone call, he or she will tell you that you are eligible for Express Check.
4. When you prepare to come to the hospital, make sure you bring your physician orders and your insurance card with you.
5. When you arrive at Western Baptist, proceed directly to the Express Check receptionist, who will copy your insurance card, have you sign a consent form and send you to Diagnostic Imaging.

You may also pre-register online by clicking here.

If you do not take advantage of the Express Check program, plan to arrive at the hospital 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time to complete the registration process.

Preparation for the Exam

Each CT exam has required preparations. The most frequently performed exams with their preps are listed. If the instructions for your exam are not listed, your physician will inform you about your exam or you may call Western Baptist's diagnostic imaging department at (270) 575-2600.

Abdomen/Pelvis
Food is permitted two hours before your exam. Oral contrast must be taken 90 minutes before the exam. This can be mixed with almost any beverage or liquid. Do not eat or drink anything after you ingest the oral contrast. IV contrast is routinely administered through an IV in the arm. The exam takes 30 to 45 minutes.

Chest
Do not eat or drink two hours before exam time. IV contrast is routinely administered through an IV in the arm. The exam takes 30-45 minutes.

Head with Contrast
Do not eat or drink two hours before exam time. IV contrast is routinely administered through an IV in the arm. The exam takes 30-45 minutes.

Head without Contrast
No prep. The exam takes 15-20 minutes.

Important Information

Inform the technologist if you may be pregnant.

The technologist will ask you several questions before your exam. This history will include previous allergies you have had, especially to iodine, a previous reaction to x-ray dye, renal (kidney) problems or diabetes. You may be requested to have a lab test performed prior to the injection of contrast to assure its safe administration. If so, you may be requested to report 60 minutes before your exam is scheduled.

If you feel any discomfort during contrast injection, tell the technologist. A temporary flush, wave of nausea or metallic taste in the mouth are common side effects, but should be reported to the technologist. If you observe any tenderness, swelling or problems in the area of the injection site or the arm where the contrast was administered within 48 hours after injection, call the diagnostic imaging department at (270) 575-2600 and talk with a CT technologist or the radiology nurse.

Some exams require that you drink a contrast liquid. If this is necessary, you will be informed about when to drink the contrast and where to obtain it.

Other Information

Your CT scan must be ordered by a physician. The physician's office will make the appointment for you with Western Baptist's radiology department. If you need to cancel your appointment, please call us at (270) 575-2600 so that time can be used for another patient.

If you have questions about your bill, please call Patient Accounts at the appropriate number listed in our phone directory. The radiologist's bill is separate from the hospital's.

For More Information

For more information on Western Baptist Hospital's diagnostic imaging services, please call (270) 575-2600.

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