About Chest CT
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging of the chest can image detailed information about the lungs, heart and large blood vessels. The air in the lungs contrasts naturally with the tissue and causes abnormalities to stand out, frequently without any need for injection of intravenous contrast medium. CT scans of the chest are commonly ordered to evaluate unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, or cough, and as a follow-up to an abnormal chest X-ray.

What to expect
You will lie comfortably on your back on a padded table that moves through the scanner, which looks like a large square with an opening in the middle. Both ends of the scanner are open; you are not enclosed. You will be able to communicate with the technologist at any time through a two-way intercom.

As the procedure begins, you will hear humming, buzzing or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table will move in short steps through the scanner as the CT tube rotates around you. At each step, the scanner completes a separate view. The information is processed by the computer and displayed as images on a video screen for the technologist.

For a chest CT you will be asked to hold your breath for several seconds, during the imaging portion of your procedure. If contrast material is injected into a vein in your arm, you may notice a warm, flushed sensation and a metallic taste in your mouth for a short time.

The CT scan itself causes no pain. Usually the scanning takes several seconds or just a few minutes to perform. You can expect to be in the department for 15 to 60 minutes. When we schedule your appointment, we can give you an estimate of how long your procedure will take.

A RAS radiologist will interpret your CT scan and report the results to your physician within five working days.

Patient preparation
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for your CT exam. You will be asked to remove any metal in the chest area that could interfere with imaging of the area being scanned. You may be asked to change into a gown.

If you are having a scan that requires intravenous (IV) or oral contrast medium, you will be given specific instructions for preparation.

Before the exam begins, please tell your physician and the technologist if you think you may be pregnant. We will advise you about any dietary restrictions when scheduling your appointment. You may continue taking prescribed medications with small sips of water prior to your exam.

Side effects and complications
CT scanning causes no side effects. CT does involve exposure to X-ray radiation, but the benefit of an accurate diagnosis far outweighs the risk.

Serious allergic reaction to the iodine-based contrast medium is rare. Our CT staff is well equipped to administer emergency treatment if necessary.

Nursing mothers should wait 24 hours after contrast injection before resuming breast-feeding.

Follow-up care
The CT exam itself requires no follow-up care.