FAQs
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- Please don’t have any caffeine for 12 hours prior to your appointment (including cola drinks, tea, coffee and chocolate). Drinking water is fine and we recommend you remain hydrated.
- Please arrive early for your exam as you will be asked to change into a gown. Wearing a two piece outfit can make this easier for you.
- If you are on any medication, it’s very important you follow the instructions given to you by your referring doctor about whether to continue or cease taking them.
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You will be asked to change into a gown before your examination and the radiographer will explain exactly what will happen during your procedure. It may vary slightly from what we describe below, so don’t worry.
For some CT imaging we require you to have an injection of contrast. The contrast will help light up a particular area of your body so it’s easier to see. You may feel a hot flush feeling for a moment as the contrast enters your body or a metallic taste in your mouth. This is perfectly normal and only lasts a few minutes. Over the course of the day the contrast solution will be naturally absorbed by your body with no side effects. This procedure isn’t advised for those allergic to iodine or shellfish.
You will have electrocardiograph (ECG) patches attached to your chest so we can monitor your heart rate during the scan.
Your radiographer will ask you to enter the CT room and you will be asked to lay down on the bed. The radiographer will make you comfortable and then leave the room.
The CT scanner looks like a doughnut (the technical word for it is a gantry), with a bed passing through the middle. You will be asked to lie on the bed as still as you can as the bed moves through the opening in the gantry. The gantry isn’t a long narrow tunnel – it is actually quite wide and short.
The bed will move slowly into the gantry and then slowly out again. Throughout the scan, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds.
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A CTCS will generally last between 5 – 30 minutes.
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At Queensland X-Ray we use a range of CT scanners, all of which provide low-dose radiation.
CTCS patients will be cared for by one of our radiographers who remain with you throughout your procedure.
CTCS is not suitable for patients with established coronary disease, clinical history of heart attack or stent insertion.
How much will it cost?
Fees for radiology procedures will vary depending on a variety of factors. We will advise you about the cost of your service at the time of booking but if you do have any questions, contact us and one of our team will be happy to help with your query. You can read more about our billing information here.
How do I access my images?
At Queensland X-Ray, we provide our patients with their images and results online. To access your images and results, you’ll need to register for an account when you visit one of our practices. If you’ve already registered, you can access the Patient Portal here.