CT stands for Computed Tomography. It is a safe and painless test that uses x-rays taken from different angles to produce detailed images of bones, soft tissue, organs and blood vessels. The images produced from a CT scan are significantly more detailed than a traditional x-ray. CT has revolutionized areas such as cardiology, neurology, orthopedics and oncology. CT may be used to evaluate many conditions including broken bones, cancer, blood clots, internal bleeding and signs of heart disease.
Stockdale Radiology is dedicated to providing Kern County with the latest CT (Computed Tomography) technology, offering 64-slice system. With the iDose system we are able to greatly reduce the radiation dose to patients while still maintaining the highest resolution. Each CT patient at Stockdale receives information indicating the actual radiation dose that they were exposed to.
During a CT scan, you are placed on a table which slides into a large doughnut-shaped opening. A powerful x-ray tube and high resolution digital detector rotates very fast inside the doughnut to obtain pictures from all different angles. The CT scanner takes many very thin 2-dimensional pictures, which the computer can assemble into 3-dimensional pictures. This allows the doctor to look layer by layer at the area being scanned and provides greater detail to aid in the diagnostic process. Many CT scans require the use of a contrast dye. The contrast may be a drink that you take prior to the scan or may be administered during the scan through an I.V. The contrast highlights certain parts of your body and helps to provide the sharpest images available.
When scheduling your appointment, provide us with your email address and we will send you personalized forms with your information already filled in. You will only have to update or add any missing information. If your email address is not provided, you can still save time by downloading the Registration forms and completing them prior to arriving at the office. You must remove all jewelry and any other metallic objects such as hearing aids, jeans with metal zippers, body piercings and removable dental work. Wearing a sweat suit with no metal may prevent you from having to change into a gown.
Have nothing to eat 4 hour prior to your exam time. You may drink clear liquids (example: water, ginger ale, apple juice). Keep hydrated before and after your exam. If you have impaired kidney function, are diabetic or are 70 years of age or older, we will assess your kidney function. It is important to inform us if you are taking the medication hydroxyurea when making your appointment. If you are receiving oral contrast, please pick up the contrast kit the day before your exam. If you are receiving Omnipaque oral contrast, refer to the Omnipaque oral contrast section below. If you are receiving Redi-CAT oral contrast, please ask your Zwanger-Pesiri representative for those specific instructions.
Present your prescription, insurance card and completed forms at the front desk. If any additional forms are required, they will be given to you at this time.
Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if you:
One of our board certified radiologist interprets your images, compares them to any previous studies and dictates a report which is transcribed, proofread and signed. The report is then faxed and mailed to your referring doctor for when your doctor will get results. Your doctor will read the report and review the findings with you. All of your signed reports and images are available to your referring doctor on our physician’s web portal.