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Computed Tomography (CT) scans are a very important tool for diagnosis and assessment in the practice of medicine.  CT scans do require the use of X-rays, however, by confirming the presence or absence of disease or injury, an appropriately ordered CT exam is of tremendous benefit to you.  This benefit far outweighs the radiation risk in the vast majority of cases.

For CT scans, you may be required to drink contrast.  This will coat your stomach and intestines so the radiologist(s) can see all of your internal organs in your abdomen and pelvis.  You may also need to have an injection of contrast into your vein.  This will highlight the blood vessels in your body, for better visualization.

Mercy Medical Center is committed to providing quality CT exams while minimizing the radiation dose. The technologists that perform these exams have advanced training in CT protocols and are nationally registered with the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT).

All technologists practice the ALARA principle that states that a technologist always chooses scan parameters that deliver a radiation dose that is “as low as reasonably achievable.”

Our technologists accomplish this goal by:

1. An advanced trained CT technologist will be performing your CT scan.
2. Adjusting technical factors (radiation amount) according to your body size.
3. Our protocols and equipment are regularly evaluated by an outside medical physicist.

An advanced trained CT Technologist will be performing your X-rays. This is different from the Radiologist who will interpret the images.

Please visit Imaging Services Catalog for more information regarding preps and what to expect.