Can I get copies of my CT scan?

Yes, but with some caveats: The hospital or facility may require that you submit a request from their records section. The CT scan may not be processed immediately, so you may need to wait or return another day, it depends on the facility and if there are more important scans that take precedence over yours.

How many CT scans can you safely have?

There is no recommended limit on how many computed tomography (CT) scans you can have. CT scans provide critical information. When a severely ill patient has undergone several CT exams, the exams were important for diagnosis and treatment.

Can a CT scan tell if you have cancer?

CT scans can show a tumor’s shape, size, and location. They can even show the blood vessels that feed the tumor – all in a non-invasive setting. By comparing CT scans done over time, doctors can see how a tumor is responding to treatment or find out if the cancer has come back after treatment.

Can colon polyps be seen on CT scan?

How are polyps diagnosed? Polyps are diagnosed by either looking at the colon lining directly (colonoscopy) or by a specialized CT scan called CT colography (also called a virtual colonoscopy).

What happens if you drink contrast before a CT scan?

If the CT is of the abdomen and pelvis, they might have you drink oral contrast before the study. They might not want you eating/drinking other things while you are drinking the oral contrast. I’m feeling sick after 7 hours of a CT scan with contrast.

How do you know if you need a CT scan?

Your physician may recommend a cranial CT scan to diagnose the cause of: 1 Unexplained fainting or headaches 2 Seizures 3 Loss of hearing or vision 4 Sudden speech difficulty or behavioral and cognitive changes

What are the risks of a CT scan?

CT scans are relatively low dose procedures contrary to popular belief. The dose is about the same as a set of spine x-rays, or the amount of extra radiation you would receive from living 10 years at a high altitude such as Denver. A Harvard study gives the long-term risk of death (by cancer) as 1 in 2,000.

How long does it take to recover from a CT scan?

You should be able to return to your normal activities immediately after the scan. However, if you have a CT scan with contrast, you may be asked to wait at the imaging facility for a short time after your exam to make sure that there are no adverse reactions to the contrast material.