About This Imaging Test
Computed tomography, also known as a CT or CAT scan, is a painless, non-invasive way to see inside the body using X-ray imaging. During a CT scan, multiple images are taken from different angles. A computer combines the images to create digital cross-sectional images, or slices, of soft tissue, organs, blood vessels and bone. The slices can often be combined to create 3-D pictures.
Computed tomography is often used to help identify and diagnose conditions such as cancer, infections, trauma and cardiovascular disease. A CT scan can be performed even if you have a pacemaker or implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Many Lee Health facilities offer 64-slice computed tomographic scans and some use low-dose CT scans — which result in lower doses of radiation exposure. However, all CT scans result in exposure to radiation, so it is important to let your care team know if you are pregnant to avoid potential risk to a developing child.
Learn more about our imaging locations featuring computed tomography, including our PET/CT hybrid scanner with faster scanning times and reduced radiation exposure.
How the Test is Performed
You will be asked to lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner.
Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern spiral scanners can perform the exam without stopping.
A computer creates separate images of the body area, called slices. These images can be stored, viewed on a monitor, or printed on film. Three-dimensional models of the body area can be created by stacking the slices together.
You must stay still during the exam, because movement causes blurred images. You may be told to hold your breath for short periods of time.
Complete scans most often take only a few minutes. The newest scanners can image your entire body in less than 30 seconds.
How to Prepare for the Test
Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into your body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays.
Let your doctor know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medicines before the test in order to avoid another reaction.
Contrast can be given several ways, depending on the type of CT being performed.
- It may be delivered through a vein (IV) in your hand or forearm.
- It may be given into your rectum using an enema.
- You might drink the contrast before your scan. When you drink the contrast depends on the type of exam being done. The contrast liquid may taste chalky, although some are flavored. The contrast passes out of your body through your stools.
How the Test will Feel
Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table.
Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning feeling, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.
Why the Test is Performed
A CT scan creates detailed pictures of the body, including the brain, chest, spine, and abdomen. The test may be used to:
- Diagnose an infection
- Guide a surgeon to the right area during a biopsy
- Identify masses and tumors, including cancer
- Study blood vessels
Normal Results
Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined are normal in appearance.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results depend on the part of the body being studied. Talk to your provider about questions and concerns.
Risks
Risks of CT scans include:
- Allergic reaction to the contrast dye
- Damage to kidney function from the contrast dye
- Exposure to radiation
CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays. Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is small. You and your doctor should weigh this risk against the value of the information that will come from a CT scan.
Some people have allergies to contrast dye. Let your doctor know if you have ever had an allergic reaction to injected contrast dye.
- The most common type of contrast given into a vein contains iodine. If you have an iodine allergy, a type of contrast may cause nausea or vomiting, sneezing, itching, or hives.
- If you absolutely must be given such contrast, your doctor may give you antihistamines (such as Benadryl) or steroids before the test.
- Your kidneys help remove iodine from the body. You may need to receive extra fluids after the test to help flush iodine out of your body if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
Rarely, the dye may cause a life-threatening allergic response called anaphylaxis. If you have any trouble breathing during the test, tell the scanner operator immediately. Scanners come with an intercom and speakers, so the operator can hear you at all times.
Similar imaging scans:
Hospitals/Medical Centers
Cape Coral Hospital
- 636 Del Prado Blvd.
- Cape Coral, FL 33990
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-424-2000
Gulf Coast Medical Center
- 13681 Doctor's Way
- Fort Myers, FL 33912
- (Located at Daniels and Metro Parkway)
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-343-1000
HealthPark Medical Center
- 9981 S. HealthPark Drive
- Fort Myers, FL 33908
- (Located at Summerlin and Bass Road)
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-343-5000
Lee Memorial Hospital
- 2776 South Cleveland Ave.
- Fort Myers, FL 33901
- (Located on US 41 near downtown Fort Myers )
- Hours:
- Hours vary depending on the type of unit, the level of care, patient needs or physicians' instructions. Please call for unit hours.
- Phone: 239-343-2000
Specialty Centers
Imaging and Radiology - Outpatient MRI
- 7331 College Parkway
- Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Imaging Available:
- MRI
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 8am - 3:30pm
- Phone: 239-343-3338
Outpatient Locations
Imaging and Radiology
- Outpatient Center at Riverwalk *
- 12600 Creekside Lane
- Suite 1
- Fort Myers, FL 33919
- Imaging Available:
- CT, MRI Open High Field, Ultrasound, X-Ray, Fluoroscopy
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 7am - 7pm
- Sat: 8am - 12:30pm
* An outpatient department of Lee Memorial Hospital
- Phone: 239-424-1499
- Fax: 239-424-1439
Imaging and Radiology
- Outpatient Center at The Sanctuary *
- 8960 Colonial Center Drive
- Fort Myers, FL 33905
- Imaging Available:
- All services digital, CT, Fluoroscopy, MRI, MRI/Arthrograms, Nuclear Medicine, Ultrasound, X-Ray
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri : 7am - 6pm
- Phone: 239-424-1499
- Fax: 239-424-1439
Outpatient Center at Surfside *
- 2441 Surfside Blvd.
- Suite 104
- Cape Coral, FL 33914
- Hours:
- Hours of operation vary per service. Please call for hours.
- Services available:
- CT, Dexa, Mammogram Screening - Digital, Mammogram Diagnostic - Digital, MRI, MRI Breast, MRI Cardiac, MRI Guided Biopsies, Stereotactic Biopsy, Ultrasound, Ultrasound Breast, Ultrasound Guided Biopsy.
* An outpatient department of Lee Memorial Hospital
- Phone: 239-424-1499
Imaging and Radiology
- Outpatient Center at HealthPark Commons *
- 16281 Bass Road
- Suite 202
- Fort Myers, FL 33908
- Imaging Available:
- CT, Dexa, EKG, Mammogram Screening - Digital, MRI, MRI Cardiac, MRI/Arthrogram, Nuclear Medicine, Nuclear Medicine Stress Test, Ultrasound
- Hours:
- Mon - Fri: 7am - 5pm
- Phone: 239-343-7247
- Fax: 239-343-5197