CT (Cat) Scan

Note: It may be helpful to print out this information (PDF)

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY CT TEST?

CT or Computed Axial Tomography, sometimes called a CAT scan, is a painless medical test that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.

CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. A computer takes these pictures and joins them together to create cross-sectional views of the area being studied.

CT scans of organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity when compared to an x-ray exam. The result is a very detailed view of the body.

At St. Mary's Hospital, we have one of the fastest scanners available. It will give faster results and exposes the patient to less radiation.

Your doctor might order a test with IV contrast. This is an iodine-based contrast that we inject into a vein in your arm or hand. This contrast will show all of your blood vessels to make sure that they are normal. If you are over the age of 60 or if you have problems with your kidneys, you will be required to have a blood test prior to this IV injection. We must make sure that your kidneys are working well before we can inject you with the contrast. If you have an allergy to iodine or seafood, inform your doctor or the technician right away.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The CT scanner looks like a large machine with a hole in the center - like a donut. You will lie on a table that can move up or down, and in or out of the center of the hole in the machine.

There are many detectors inside the scanner that rotate around the table. As these detectors rotate, they are collecting millions of pieces of data. The data is sent to a special computer and pictures are formed of the part of your body being scanned.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Normally a CT study will take only seconds to complete. You may have to do some preparation before the scan and that may make the test take longer. If you are having a CT scan of your abdomen and/or pelvis you be asked to drink oral contrast the night before and the morning of your scan. The contrast you drink will fill your stomach and your large and small intestines. This allows the radiologist to see the lining of intestines more clearly.

HOW DO I PREPARE?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the test, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown. Avoid metal buttons, snaps and zippers.
• Inform you doctor and the technician of any medications or vitamins that you take, as well as any allergies.
• All jewelry and valuables should be left at home, if possible. You may be asked to remove certain jewelry items because they will interfere with the test.
• You may receive special instructions based on the type of test that you need. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully before your test.
• Please let the technician know if you are diabetic, have problems with your kidneys, or if you are allergic to iodine or seafood.
• Women should always tell the technician if there is a possibility they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding.
• Sometimes the doctor will order a contrast with your test. If you are over the age of 60 or if you have problems with your kidneys, you will be required to have lab tests done prior to the test.
• You may be told not to eat or drink anything for a certain time before your test if the doctor ordered IV contrast.

CT CHECK- OFF LIST:

• Tell your doctor and the technician of any recent illness or medical condition:
• Ask your doctor, "Do I need lab work for my study"?
• Are there any medications I need to stop taking before my test?
• Can I eat and drink before the test? Are there certain foods and drinks I need to avoid before my test?

PLEASE CALL 301-475-6133 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT

FLOURO Test

• Upper GI / Lower GI
• Myelogram
• Barium Swallow
• Arthrogram
• IVP / VCUG / HSG

Note: It may be helpful to print out this information (PDF)

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY TEST?

Fluoroscopy or" Fluoro" is a type of study that allows doctors to you're your organs in motion.

UPPER GI or UGI TEST:

This test is a fluoro study of your pharynx, esophagus, stomach and parts of your small intestines. During a UGI you will be asked to swallow a white drink called Barium. The Barium coats the area being studied, which allows the doctor to see your organs better. Sometimes along with the Barium drink, you will be asked to swallow some crystals. This will cause gas, which will help the doctor examine the stomach and surrounding organs.

LOWER GI:

During a Lower GI or BE (Barium Enema), your rectum, large intestines (or colon) and the last part of your small intestines are being studied.

ARTHROGRAM, MYELOGRAM, BARIUM SWALLOW:

Fluoroscopy is also used for other studies, such as Joint Arthrograms, Myelograms, and Joint Injections for pain management. Swallowing studies, called Modified Barium Swallows, will show how well a person can swallow food or drinks.

IVP / VCUG / HSG:

If you are having an IVP or Intravenous Pyelogram, you will be injected with an iodine contrast. This study will be looking at your kidneys and ureters. If you are over the age of 60, or if you are diabetic, you must have blood work before this exam. Please check with your doctor to see if you need this.

There are also other studies that utilize fluoro, such as HSG's and VCUG's.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

When you have a BE study you will begin by laying on an x-ray table to have an x-ray taken. This is to verify that your bowels are clean. If you are having an UGI, you will begin by standing on a platform. In either case, the fluoro "tower" will be brought over your body and pictures will be taken.

Often you will be asked to roll to different sides. This is so the barium coats the entire area being studied. The Radiologist will instruct you on how and when to do this. After the Radiologist finishes their part, the technician will take some more x-rays. The Radiologist must check these films before you can leave.

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?

With some studies, such as a lower GI series, it is required that you have clean bowels. A prep kit is given to you to begin the day before your study. It is very important to follow the instructions on the prep kit completely.

During a Barium Enema, an enema tip will be inserted into your rectum. The barium contrast is then allowed to flow into the large intestines. This will probably make you feel "full" or slightly uncomfortable, but it should not be painful. When the study is almost over the radiologist will allow the barium to flow back out. This should relieve most of the pressure. A Barium Enema is generally done within 1 (one) hour. If you are diabetic, please take your morning medication as directed, but with as little water as possible. We also recommend that you bring a snack with you to eat as soon as your test is done.

Upper GI's usually take less time, unless your doctor has also requested a small bowel follow-through. This will add time onto your study. We must wait until the barium reaches a certain point in your small intestines before we can take the final pictures. This will depend on how fast your system works. We may ask you to walk around to help speed up the process.

HOW DO I PREPARE?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the test, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown.
• Inform the ordering doctor and the technician of any medications or vitamins that you take. Inform them of any allergies you have.
• Jewelry and valuables should be left at home, if possible. You may be asked to remove jewelry items because they will interfere with the test.
• You may receive special instructions based on the type of test that you need. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully before your test.
• Please let the technician know if you are diabetic.
• Women should always tell the technician if there is a possibility they are pregnant and if they are breastfeeding.

CHECK-OFF LIST:

There are different preps for different studies. Depending on your orders, instructions will be given to you to follow before your test. Please follow all instructions carefully.

• Tell your doctor and the technologist of any pregnancy, recent illness or medical conditions:
• Are there any medications I need to stop taking before my test?
• Can I eat or drink before the test? Is there any food or drink I should avoid before the test?

Remember to tell the technician if you have any of the following:

• allergic to iodine or seafood
• have only one kidney
• you are diabetic
• you are possibly pregnant or if you are breastfeeding.

**REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ORDER OR PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR**

MRI

Note: It may be helpful to print out this information

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY MRI TEST?

The MRI test uses a powerful magnetic field to produce images of the body. The MRI does not use radiation. The MRI test is a painless medical test that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions.

There are certain risk factors associated with MRIs. It is a large magnet that is always on and certain items can not be taken into the scan room where the MRI scanner is. Jewelry, credit cards, watches, bobby pins and hearing aids should not be brought into the scan room. Clothing with zippers, bra hooks and removable dental work should not be brought into the scan room as well.

Most people with metal implants such as artificial joints are safe to have an MRI, but it is always recommended to ask your doctor. If a person has clips in their brain used in brain surgeries, it must be documented in their medical record that is it safe to have an MRI before the test can be done.

If you have an internal defribulators, pacemakers and cochlear implants you cannot have an MRI done and you should never be allowed into the scan room. Please inform the hospital staff if you have any of these things.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The traditional MRI machine is a long tube, surrounded by a circular magnet. Both ends are open. You will lie on a table that moves in and out and up and down in the middle of the magnet.

Once you lay on the table, you will be given ear plugs. This is because the MRI scanner is very noisy. We will place a small band on the tip of your finger that will monitor your heart rate.

During most studies we can let you listen to music (so bring a favorite CD!). We will also give you a signal button to press if you need to help from us during the test.

For some studies, a receiving coil will be placed around the body part being examined. You will hear different noises during the MRI exam. These sounds will change every few minutes.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

All MRI scan can take between 20 to 45 minutes to complete. Sometimes your doctor will order two or three studies at the same time. Some patients might find it difficult to hold still. MRI studies are very sensitive to motion. It is very important that you remain still during the scan.

HOW DO I PREPARE?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the test, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown. Avoid metal buttons, snaps and zippers.
• Inform the ordering doctor and the technician doing your test of any medications or vitamins that you take. Tell them about any allergies you have too.
• All jewelry and valuables should be left at home, if possible. You may be asked to remove certain jewelry items because they will interfere with the test.
• You may receive special instructions based on the type of test that you need. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully before your test.
• Please let the technician know if you are diabetic.
• Women should always tell the technician if there is a possibility they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding.
• Sometimes a physician will order a contrast or dye with your test. If you are over the age of 60 or if you have kidney issues, you will be required to have lab work drawn prior to the contrast injection.
• If you have a fear of enclosed places, ask your physician for medication that will help you relax. You will not be able to drive if you take the medicine. You will have to have someone drive for you.

MRI CHECK-OFF LIST:

• Tell your doctor and the technician of any recent illness or medical condition:
• Ask your doctor, "Do I need lab work for my study"?
• Are there any medications I need to stop taking before my test?
• Can I eat or drink before the test? Is there any food or drink I should avoid before the test?

PLEASE CALL 301-475-6133 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT

**REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ORDER OF PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR**

OB Sonogram

Note: It may be helpful to print out this information (PDF)

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY OB ULTRASOUND TEST?

Ultrasound or sonogram works by using sound waves. When the sound waves reach an object it bounces backward or echoes. By measuring the echo wave it is possible to determine the size, shape and consistency of the object being studied. During this portion of the exam, only one guest over the age of 12 will be allowed into the room. Younger children must wait in the waiting room and be supervised at all times.

The ultrasound exam is divided into two different parts. The first part is a medical exam in which the examiner will obtain measurements and will look for abnormalities. The second part of the exam is what is referred to as the "entertainment" portion. All guests, including children, will be invited into the exam room during this procedure.

This portion is a more personalized look at your pregnancy. You will be able to visualize your baby on two monitors and pictures will be obtained to take home as keepsakes. The amount of time the medical portion takes can vary from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the gestational age.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Ultrasound scanners look like a large computer keyboard and monitor sitting on a cart with wheels. There is also a wand or transducer attached to the computer that is used to scan the body. This transducer is a small hand-held device that looks like a microphone. The transducer sends out sound waves and then records the echoes. The data is sent instantly to the computer and a real time picture is created on the monitor.

Normally, you will lay on a stretcher with the technician sitting by you. The ultrasound machine will be positioned in front of the technician. A clear gel will first be applied to the area being studied. This helps the transducer make good contact with the body and also eliminates pockets of air between the wand and your skin. After the gel is applied, the technician will press the wand firmly onto the body. It will be moved back and forth over the area being scanned.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Routine Sonogram During First Trimester

  You will need to consume 32 ounces of water and be finished one hour prior to your exam time and hold your bladder. Your exam will begin using a transabdominal approach (above the belly) with a full bladder. This provides a wider field of view.

  A transvaginal approach may also be used, if deemed necessary. Prior to the exam you will be asked to empty your bladder. Transvaginal ultrasound is performed by placing the ultrasound probe inside the vagina. This allows more detail to be seen, if needed. If a transvaginal exam needs to be performed, after the medical portion is completed, any other guests may be invited in the room at the patient's discretion. The sonographer will only be able to share limited information with you regarding the exam. Gestational age, number of gestations and heart rate can be discussed. Any and all other information will have to be discussed with your referring physician.

• Routine Sonogram During Second Trimester

  If your doctor has ordered a second trimester anatomical ultrasound you can expect this to usually be performed between 18 to 22 weeks. You will need to consume 20 ounces of water and be finished drinking one hour prior to your exam time and hold your bladder. The anatomy scan is a survey of the organs that can be evaluated with ultrasound. During this part of the exam the sonographer will be looking for any abnormalities and taking measurements to evaluate growth and amniotic fluid levels. It is important to understand that the medical portion can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the positioning of your baby.

  Once the medical portion is complete, remaining guests, including children, may come into the exam room for the entertainment portion. This portion will take approximately ten minutes. We will perform 4D imaging in conjunction with 2D imaging and will do everything we can to get you a 3D picture. We will also try to determine the gender at this time if you so choose. Please understand that we are at the mercy of your baby. If your baby is not lying in an ideal position we will offer you a return courtesy visit to have a second peek in hopes of getting a 3D picture. Please understand that a courtesy visit will not be offered if you were given 3D pictures but were not able to find out the gender. The baby's weight and heart rate can be discussed. Any and all other information will have to be discussed with your referring physician.

• Routine Sonogram During Third Trimester

  You will need to consume 20 ounces of water and be finished drinking one hour prior to your exam and hold your bladder. Generally in the third trimester your doctor will order a sonogram for a specific reason, i.e. check growth, fluid levels, fetal positioning, just to name a few. After the medical portion, all other guests, including children, will be invited in during the entertainment portion. Again, only the baby's weight and heart rate information can be discussed. Any and all other information will have to be discussed with your referring physician.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 2D, 3D, 4D

• 2D - standard two-dimensional ultrasound in black and white
• 3D - still image of a 4D ultrasound
• 4D - a color ultrasound in three-dimension showing features and movement

HOW DO I PREPARE?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the test, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown.
• All jewelry and valuables should be left at home, if possible. You may be asked to remove certain jewelry items because they will interfere with the test.
• You may receive special instructions based on the type of test that you need. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully before your test.

Please remember to drink the appropriate amount of water and be done drinking one hour prior to the exam:

• 32 ounces of water - 1st trimester
• 20 ounces of water - 2nd and 3rd trimester

PLEASE CALL 301-475-6399 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT

**REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ORDER OF PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR. IF YOU FORGET TO BRING THE ORDER, NO EXAM WILL BE PERFORMED**

PETCT

• Positron Emission Tomography
• Computed Axial Tomography

Note: It may be helpful to print out this information (PDF)

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY PET/CT TEST?

Positron Emission Tomography, also called PET scans are a medical test that helps doctors diagnose and treat medical conditions. PET scans will measure important body functions such as blood flow, oxygen use and sugar levels to help doctors evaluate how well organs and tissues are working.

CT imaging uses special x-ray equipment to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body. A computer takes these pictures and joins them together to create cross-sectional views of the area being studied to help doctors diagnose medical conditions.

CT scans of organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity when compared to regular x-ray exams. The result is a very detailed view of the body.

Most Pet scans are preformed on instruments that are combined PET and CT scanners. The combined PET/CT scan provides images that pinpoint the location of abnormal activity within the body. The combined scans have been shown to provide more accurate information than if the two scans were preformed separately.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

The PET scanner will look like a large machine with a hole in the center - like a donut. A PET/CT machine looks like a combination of two such machines.

You will lie on a table that can move in and out of the machine. As the table is moved into the "hole" of the donut, information will be collected by special detectors positioned around the opening. These detectors are collecting millions of pieces of data. The data is then sent to a special computer that creates images from the data obtained.

A PET/CT scanner detects energy given off by your body. This vital information will offer details on both the structure and function of organs and tissues in your body.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

PET/CT imaging is performed on an outpatient basis. The CT portion will be completed first, followed by the PET portion. The CT scan is generally completed in seconds. The PET scan normally takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Once you arrive for your study, a radiotracer called FDG will be injected into a vein in your arm or hand. It will take approximately 45 minutes for the radiotracer to travel through your body and be absorbed by the organ or tissue being studied. You will be asked to rest quietly and avoid movement or talking. You may also be asked to drink a slightly bitter oral contrast that will help the doctors see your digestive system. As you lie on the table you must remain very still.

HOW DO I PREPARE?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the test, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown. Avoid metal buttons, snaps and zippers.
• Inform your doctor and the technician of any medications or vitamins that you take, as well as any allergies.
• All jewelry and valuables should be left at home, if possible. You may be asked to remove certain jewelry items because they will interfere with the test.
• You may receive special instructions based on the type of test that you need. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully before your test.
• Please let the technician know if you are diabetic, have any problems with your kidneys or if you are allergic iodine or seafood.
• Women should always tell the technician if there is a possibility they are pregnant or if they are breastfeeding.
• Tell the technician if you are diabetic.

PET/CT CHECK-OFF LIST:

• Tell your doctor and the technician of any recent illness or medical condition:
• Ask your doctor, "Do I need lab work for my study"?
• Are there any medications I need to stop taking before my test?
• Can I eat and drink before the test? Are there certain foods and drinks I need to avoid before my test?

PLEASE CALL 301-475-6133 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT

PLEASE CALL AHEAD IF YOU NEED TO CANCEL. THE DRUG IS ORDERED 24 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SCAN.

**REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ORDER OF PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR**

Ultrasound

Note: It may be helpful to print out this information

WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING MY ULTRASOUND TEST?

An Ultrasound, also called a sonogram, uses sound waves to produce pictures of the body. An ultrasound does not involve any radiation and it is usually painless. It is scanned in real time so the images can show the structure and movement of your body's organs, as well as blood flowing through your vessels as it is happening.

Doppler ultrasound can follow blood flow in major arteries and veins in the abdomen, arms, legs and neck. Ultrasound is also used to help doctors during some procedures.

Ultrasound works by using sound waves. When the sound waves reach an object it bounces backward or echoes. By measuring the echo wave it is possible to determine the size, shape and consistency of the object being studied.

WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE?

Ultrasound scanners look like a large computer keyboard and monitor sitting on a cart with wheels. There is also a wand or transducer attached to the computer that is used to scan the body. This transducer is a small hand-held device that looks like a microphone. The transducer sends out sound waves and then records the echoes. The data is sent instantly to the computer and a real time picture is created on the monitor.

Normally, you will lay on a stretcher with the technician sitting by you. The ultrasound machine will be positioned in front of the technician. A clear gel will first be applied to the area being studied. This helps the transducer make good contact with the body and also eliminates pockets of air between the wand and your skin. After the gel is applied, the technician will press the wand firmly onto the body. It will be moved back and forth over the area being scanned.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

It depends on your study. Most exams are completed within 30 minutes to an hour, although there may be different reasons that could prolong a study.

Since ultrasound does not pass through air in your body, this is not a good imaging technique for the bowel or stomach. Intestinal gas may limit your study or it may take the technician longer to find deep organs in your body. A person's body weight can also be a factor.

HOW DO I PREPARE?

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. Depending on the test, you may be asked to put on a hospital gown.
• All jewelry and valuables should be left at home, if possible. You may be asked to remove certain jewelry items because they will interfere with the test.
• You may receive special instructions based on the type of test that you need. Make sure to follow all instructions carefully before your test.
• Depending on your study, you may be asked to drink a large amount of fluid 1 (one) hour prior to your exam. This is to fill your bladder and help the sonographer visualize around and through the bladder. It is very important not to empty your bladder before your exam. You will be allowed to go to the bathroom as soon as the test is complete.
• Some studies may require that you eat a fat free meal the evening before the ultrasound study. You may be told not to eat any food for 8 hours before your scan.

CHECK-OFF LIST:

• Tell your doctor and the technician of any recent illness or medical conditions:
• Ask your doctor, "Do I need lab work for my study"?
• Are there any medications I need to stop taking before my test?
• Can I eat and drink before the test? Are there certain foods and drinks I need to avoid before my test?

*Be sure to follow all instructions for food restrictions the night before or for drinking of fluid the day of the study. Your test may have to be canceled if you do not follow the instructions.*

PLEASE CALL 301-475-6133 TO SET UP AN APPOINTMENT

**REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR ORDER OF PRESCRIPTION FROM YOUR DOCTOR**