What CT Scans can we perform?

  • Pelvic
  • Calcium score
  • Chest/Thorax
  • Abdominal
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Spine
  • Vascular
  • Pulmonary Angiography
  • Neck
  • Injection
  • Head/Brain/Facial bones
  • Aortic angiogram
  • Biopsy
  • Sinuses
  • All extremities

A CT scanner has an X-ray tube and detectors that move around the body in a circular motion as you move slowly through the scanner on the scanning table.

The CT scanner collects cross-sectional images that together with a powerful computer can build three-dimensional images that allow doctors to view soft tissue, organs, bone and blood vessels that can be difficult to see on conventional X-Rays.

At Sydney CBD X-ray our Siemens CT scanner uses low dose scanning techniques with the latest software to produce the highest quality diagnostic images without exposing the patient to unnecessary radiation. Our highly trained and friendly staff will explain the procedure to you before your scan and answer any questions or concerns you may have.  CT scans are fast and painless.

On occasion, your doctor may ask for a particular scan that requires an injection of contrast dye during the scan. This liquid shows in your body during the scan and can help detect a condition or enhance a particular structure. It has no lasting effects and will pass through your system in a few hours.

Before you attend for your CT scan please bring the referral form that your doctor gave you and any previous scan reports you have. If you think you may be pregnant if is important that you inform a member of staff before your examination.

Preparing For Your CT Scan

CT Coronary Angiogram / Calcium score

A CT coronary angiogram and a CT calcium score are both types of heart scans.  If attending for a CT coronary angiogram please do not exercise or have caffeine before your scan. If your doctor has requested you to have these scans please be aware the CT Coronary Angiogram is only rebatable from Medicare if you have been referred by a specialist cardiologist, not if you have been referred by your GP. The cardiologist referral must have specific symptoms that are Medicare rebatable, these can be found at the bottom of our request forms. CT Calcium score scans are not Medicare rebatable and cost $190.00.

CT guided cortisone injection/Facet joint injection/Nerve root sleeve injection.

If your doctor has requested for you to have an injection into a joint or near a nerve in order to alleviate pain, this is often done using a CT scan. When you come to the clinic to have an injection onto a joint under the guidance of CT, then our specialist doctor will require you to have a small scan of the area and then use that image to mark where the injection will be most effective. The doctor will then use local anaesthetic to numb the area before injecting a suitable steroid. There is no preparation for this but if you are taking any blood thinners such as aspirin or warfarin please let staff know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to bring along to a CT scan?

When attending for your CT scan it is important that you bring the referral form from your doctor as it has valuable information about what type of scan is required. It is also important that you know any medications you are currently taking or any allergies that you may have. If you have had previous scans or x-rays from another practice that you think may be relevant, then please bring them or the scan report to your CT scan appointment as they can be very useful to our doctor when reporting on your scan.

Do I need to prepare for my CT scan?

There is no preparation required for most CT scans however depending of the body part being examined you may be asked to fast for a few hours before the scan. Some examinations of the abdomen or bowel require you to drink water or a special drink beforehand, the radiographer looking after you will talk to you about this before your scan and give it to you if necessary.

Once you arrive in the clinic you will be given a questionnaire to fill out if you are having a scan that requires a contrast injection. This questionnaire will ask about your medical history, allergies and medications.

Please inform us if you are taking any diabetic medication, have any kidney disease, or have ever had an allergic reaction to x-ray contrast injections in the past.

What will happen during the scan?

You will be asked to change into a patient gown for your CT scan, as denim, zips, and buttons on clothes can show up on the images. You will also be asked to remove any metal and jewellery.

Once ready you will be asked to lie on the scanning table. The table will move through the scanner slowly, you may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds. If you are having an injection of contrast then the radiographer will put a small needle in your arm before the scan starts in order to inject the contrast when needed.

How long will the CT scan take?

Please allow 10-15 minutes for your CT scan appointment. If you are required to drink water before your scan then please allow 40minutes.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects from having a CT scan are very rare. The benefits of monitoring or detecting a disease are believed to outweigh the risk of having such a small amount of radiation. At Sydney CBD X-ray we use the latest scanner technology and strict protocols in order to keep that radiation exposure as low as possible without compromising the quality of the images.If you receive an injection of contrast it is common to experience a warm flush sensation during the injection, this is normal. As with medications or some foods, patients can occasionally have a mild allergic reaction to the contrast resulting in transient nausea or a rash, more severe allergic reactions are very rare. Our staff are happy to talk to you about any concerns you may have.

When will I get my results?

The images are presented to a Specialist Radiologist who will report on the findings. If you do not wish to wait for your results they will be forwarded directly to your referring Doctor. Alternatively, you can organise to return at a later time to collect your images and/or report. It is recommended that you do this prior to your appointment with your referring Doctor.It is very important, (even if the result is normal) to return to your referring Doctor for discussion of your results, allowing further investigation of your symptoms if the cause is not determined.

Does CT Scanning use radiation?

Yes, a CT scan uses radiation to obtain detailed images. Our Siemens scanner uses a number of new technologies and software to reduce the amount of radiation needed and therefore our CT scans are very low dose. The amount of radiation used is also kept as low as possible by the radiographer when setting up the scan.

Can I ask for other areas to be scanned at the same time?

The diagnostic imaging referral form filled out by your doctor asking for a particular scan is a legal document and therefore it cannot be changed by you or our staff to add other areas. If you are concerned about other areas that you feel need to be scanned then it is important to tell your referring doctor so she/he can request the appropriate scans or investigations.

Can the radiographer give me a result on the spot?

Once the scan is finished the radiographer cannot give you an on the spot result as the images need to be looked at by a Radiologist who is a doctor that specialises in reading CT scans. That doctor will then write a report on the findings of the scan. If you do not wish to wait for your results they will be forwarded directly to your referring Doctor.If you are attending a specialist then the radiographer can print your images for you to take to your next specialist appointment.