Tests and treatments
CT scan
What is it?
What is it?A CT (computer tomography) scan is an X-ray examination where an X-ray tube, encapsulated in a ring, revolves around the patient lying on an immobile table. This allows hundreds of thin ‘cross-section images to be taken of the patient. These are subsequently uploaded to a powerful computer that can generate the images in any desired direction.
Examples
There are CT scans for different parts of the body. There are CT scans for the chest, abdomen, cranium, lumbar spine, cervical spine, sinusses, mastoid sinuses, arthoscopy, knee/pulse/shoulder/elbow/hip, angiogram of the neck arteries, angiogram of the coronary arteries, angiogram of the aorta and a virtual colonoscopy (Maria Middelares Medical Centre campus)...
Test procedure
Test procedurePlease tell us if you:
- are pregnant (or suspect you could be pregnant)
- have contraindications for intravenous contrast (if this is required for the scan)
Preparation for the test
You must be fasting if contrast agent is to be administered:
(Exceptions: gastrointestinal surgery. You should follow the instructions of your attending physician).Type of food: Example: Allowed until at the latest: Normal meal midnight before the surgery or examination Light meal e.g. a sandwich or toast with jam. Deep-fried/fatty foods or meat are not included six hours prior to the procedure or examination Dairy products Milk, bottle-feeding for a child, yoghurt... six hours prior to the procedure or examination Breastfeeding four hours prior to the procedure or examination Drinks As wished: water, sugar water, sports drinks, clear fruit juices without pulp (apple juice, grape juice)
Maximum a cup: clear tea and coffee without milk
.Recommended: continue to drink clear beverages up to two hours before the procedure or examination
Up to six hours before the procedure: fizzy drinks
Centres and specialist areas
Centres and specialist areas
Latest publication date: 05/02/2021
Supervising author: Dr Schoofs Christophe