In October 2006 San Radiology purchased Australia’s first Siemens Dual Source CT, the most sophisticated CT scanner in the world. It has two xray tubes instead of one and is able to generate up to 128 slices per rotation. This allows hundreds of images to be produced within a single short breath hold, with a lower radiation dose when ‘gated’.
Most patients find a CT scan to be a relatively simple test. You will be asked to lie on a table that moves in and out of a doughnut shaped opening in the scanner, called a gantry. Patients who have abdominal or chest CT scans will be asked to hold their breath for each scan. Patients who have CT scans of their head will not have to hold their breath, but they will be asked to remain very still for the duration of the scan.
Please click for information on Cardiac CT also known as "Coronary Angiogram CT".
CT studies are available for the:
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Abdomen and Pelvis
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Angiogram
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Biopsies
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Brain
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Chest
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Epidural and facet injections
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Extremities
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Neck
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Radiotherapy Planning
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Sinuses
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Spine
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Vessels
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there any preparation for a CT scan?
Most patients who have a CT scan of their head, chest and abdomen and their pelvis are asked to not eat for 4 hours prior to the CT. You may continue to drink clear fluids.
For abdomen and pelvis scans, you may be asked to drink two and a half (2.5) cups of oral contrast before your CT examination. The oral contrast will be either barium, or a mixture of low-sugar cordial and an iodine-containing liquid called Gastrografin. Oral contrast is used to help the radiologist see your stomach and intestines and distinguish these structures from other organs. If you are required to take oral contrast, you will be asked to arrive at the CT reception one (1) hour before your scan time. Once you are here you are given the oral contrast along with instructions about when to drink each cup. Staging your drinks ensures the contrast is evenly distributed through the stomach and bowel.
Clothing items such as zippers, buttons, earrings and hairpins can interfere with the quality of the images. For abdomen and pelvic scans you will be asked to change from your regular clothes into a hospital gown before your CT scan.
Will I receive an injection?
For CT scans of the brain and other parts of the body, an Intravenous (IV) Contrast is often used to highlight the tissues and vessels. IV Contrast is a clear fluid containing Iodine. If you are allergic to IV contrast or iodine, please let us know when you make the appointment and again when you arrive for your appointment.
If you are diabetic please inform the bookings secretary at the time of booking and you will receive additional important instructions.
When you arrive at the CT reception, you will be asked to complete a brief medical history and a simple questionnaire including details of any allergies you have. This process helps us identify if you fall into the normal range for IV contrast risk. When IV contrast is required, you will need to fast from food for four (4) hours prior to your CT scan. You may continue to drink clear fluids. The decision to give IV contrast is often made at the time of the scan and depends on the clinical question being asked by your referring Doctor.
If you are taking any medication over the time your scan is scheduled, you should take them as prescribed. Our bookings staff can answer any queries you may have and you can also speak to our Registered Nurses about any questions you have about your scan.
How long will my CT exam take?
The San Radiology scanners are very fast; depending on your examination the time will vary from a few minutes to an hour on the scanner. The CT team will make every effort to complete your exam as quickly as possible.
If you are scheduled for a body CT scan, you should expect to be in San Radiology for about one and a half hours (including the time it takes to drink the oral contrast). If you are scheduled for a brain or spine CT, you should expect to be in San Radiology for about half an hour.
Situations beyond the CT teams control happen sometimes which mean that on occasions they run behind schedule, when this happens your appointment may be delayed. You should expect to be kept informed of these delays when they occur and if you are concerned about the length of any delay please talk to the reception staff.
How long will my results take?
Generally, your CT scan results will be available within 24hours and will be faxed and posted to your referring doctor. If you are seeing your doctor inside of 24hour after your scan please inform the staff so we can prioritise the report.
Further Information
Please contact San Radiology bookings staff on 02 9487 9840 or email radiologycustomerliaison@sah.org.au if you have any enquiries about a specific type of CT procedure. If they are unable to answer your enquiry then they will arrange for one of the CT staff members to contact you.
