Now Available...
Volume CT capabilities with our new GE LightSpeed VCT scanner.

Arcadia Radiology Medical Group's new Volume Computed Tomography (VCT) system, allows our Radiologists to obtain the information they need to diagnose disease and life threatening illnesses along with advanced applications in neurology and cardiology. The LightSpeed VCT system can capture images of a beating heart in just five heartbeats or a single organ in one second - which gives us the ability to help clinicians diagnosis aortic dissection, pulmonary embolism, coronary artery disease and more.

Our new LightSpeed VCT scanner gives us greater flexibility to customize patient procedures and optimize every aspect of a patient's CT experience - which means greater comfort, shorter exam times and less radiation exposure.

What is CT

CT (Computed Tomography), also sometimes called a CAT scan, is a safe and painless exam that uses x-ray technology to obtain detailed, cross-sectional images of a patient's body. The images are captured by passing a small amount of x-ray through a patient's body in a spiral path. The images are then displayed on high resolution monitors that allow our Radiologists to view "slices" of the patient's anatomy.

Preparing for a CT

To prepare for a CT scan, patients should wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing without any metal clips, ties or belts. Female patients should notify our office if they believe they may be pregnant. Depending on the type of exam, the following preparations may be necessary.

Abdomen and Pelvis

Nothing to eat or drink for 3 hours prior to exam. You will need to arrive between 1 1/2 - 3 hours prior to your exam for oral contrast preparation. Our office will instruct you on how much time to allow for your exam.

Chest, Brain, Neck or Soft Tissue

Nothing to eat, drink or smoke for 3 hours prior to exam.

For questions or additional information on specific CT scan preparations, contact us.

During & After a CT

For most CT examinations, you will lay face up on the CT table. The CT table will move in and out of the scanner during the exam, you just need to hold still. There may be times when the technologist will ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds. For some body parts, or to enhance some areas, a contrast media may need to be injected.

Before the injection you will be asked some specific questions about allergies and medications you may be taking. The answers to these questions will help the Radiologist decide if any contrast will be used, and if so what kind. If you are diabetic or elderly you will be required to have a blood test to check your kideny function before having a CT scan.

Once the CT study is complete, a patient can return to normal activity. Fluids are encouraged to help any contrast material that was used move through the body. One of Arcadia Radiology Medical Group's Radiologists will interpret the exam and report the findings to the patient's physician.