COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CT SCAN)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

CT Scan is a painless and non-invasive medical imaging technique.  CT scan combines x-rays and computer technology to obtain detailed and precise images of the body in virtual slices and in the three dimensions of space inside the body. 

 

CT Scan is one of the ideal methods for both preventive and diagnostic examinations.  

It is very useful in the early detection of coronary heart disease, lung cancer, colon cancer and bone diseases.  

 

CT Scan is useful in evaluating body organs, such as the brain, spine, neck, heart, breast, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, prostate gland, uterus and ovaries, bone, joints and soft tissues.  

 

During the examination, an injection of a contrast medium is sometimes necessary to enhance tissue and disease visualization.
 

PREPARATION

 

Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before the exam.

 

EXAMINATION DURATION

Usually15-30 min.

​

MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING (3.0T MRI) 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a painless and non-invasive medical imaging technique allowing doctors to obtain detailed and precise images of the body in virtual slices and in the three dimensions of space inside the body. 

 

MRI uses a powerful magnetic field and radiofrequency waves to generate digital images. 

 

MRI has no radiation and it does not use x-rays.  

 

MRI is the ideal method for both preventive and diagnostic examinations.  

 

MRI is very useful in the cancer screening, solid organ cancer detection and local staging, heart ischaemia and function assessment; brain, spine and nerve diseases diagnosis; bone and joint diseases diagnosis, as well as sports injury. 

 

MRI is useful in evaluating body organs, such as the brain, spine, neck, heart, breast, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, kidney, urinary bladder, prostate gland, uterus and ovaries, bone, joints and soft tissues.  

 

During the examination, an injection of a contrast medium might be necessary to enhance tissue and disease visualization.

 

PREPARATION

​

The presence of metal in your body may be a safety hazard or affect a portion of the MRI image.

 

If you have any metal or electronic devices in your body, such as metallic joint prostheses, artificial heart valves or cardiac stents, an implanted heart defibrillator, a pacemaker, metal clips, cochlear implants, a bullet, shrapnel or any other type of metal fragment, please inform our staff immediately. 

 

Before you schedule an MRI, tell your doctor if you think you’re pregnant. Your doctor may recommend choosing an alternative exam or postponing the MRI. 

 

Before an MRI exam, eat normally and continue to take your usual medications, unless otherwise instructed.

 

You will be asked to change into a gown and to remove jewelry, hairpins, eyeglasses, watches, wigs, dentures, hearing aids, underwire bras and metallic make-up.

​

EXAMINATION DURATION

Usually 30-40 mins. 

​

POSITRON EMISSION TOMOGRAPHY- COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (PET-CT SCAN)

 

INTRODUCTION

 

PET/CT scan makes use of images from two technologies in determining the exact location of an abnormality in the body and consequently, detecting diseases such as cancer and other abnormalities.

​

PREPARATION

 

PET/CAT scanning is a non-invasive procedure that can take up to two hours.  It is typically undertaken on an outpatient basis.

 

The test begins by obtaining blood sugar level to ensure it is within PET scan parameters. The liquid radioactive material is injected. You will be asked to rest quietly on a chair for approximately one hour.  

 

You will then be moved to the scanning room and positioned on the scanning bed. The CT scan is done first and takes less than 2 minutes. The PET scan takes approximately 25 minutes, but the time will vary depending on the areas of your body being scanned.

 

You should drink plenty of fluids after the test is finished to flush the radioactive substance out of the body.

 

Diabetic Patients:

• Insulin Controlled Diabetes: Have a meal with your insulin 4 hours prior to your appointment

• Non-Insulin Controlled Diabetes:

  • If you have a morning PET/CT appointment, please do not take your diabetic tablets on the morning of your scan but bring them with you so that you can take them immediately after your scan has been completed.

  • If you have an afternoon PET/CT appointment, please take your diabetic tablets on the morning of your scan, not less than 6 hours before the time of your appointment.

 

PET/CT Diet Plan:

24 Hours before your exam –

• No caffeine

• No exercise or participate in strenuous physical activity

 

6 Hours before your exam –

• Do NOT eat(including tube feeding)

• Do NOT chew gum or cough drops, etc

• Drink ONLY water without additives

• No smoking

• Take all prescribed medications.

 

Foods To Avoid:

All foods containing sugar & most processed foods, even “low carb” items.

• Fruits & Vegetables: All fruits, potatoes, corn, carrots, legumes (beans), tomatoes, peas, squash, “veggie burgers”.

• Breads & Grains: All types of grains, rice, breaded foods, pasta/noodles, rice cakes, crackers.

• Beverages: Beer, wine, liquor, juices.

• Snack Foods: Chips, pretzels, candy, gum, cough drops, breath mints.

• Other: Syrups, jams, ketchup, sauces and gravies.

​