A Touchstone Medical Imaging technologist will greet you and guide you to lie down on the CT scanner table. In some cases, we may first administer contrast dye, which can help illuminate blood vessels and other parts of the body.
The table you lie on will slide in and out of the scanner during the scan. At the same time, an X-ray tube and an electronic X-ray detector will rotate around you, capturing the images that will help your doctor make a diagnosis and form a treatment plan. Our technologist may ask you to hold your breath at times during the scan since motion can cause blurred images.
Most CT imaging studies are quick and take only a few minutes to conduct. Following your CT scan, you will leave the imaging center ready to continue your normal, daily routine. Results from the scan will be available to your doctor within hours.
As you prepare for your CT scan, choose comfortable, loose clothing for your appointment, and leave metal objects, such as jewelry, at home when possible. Before entering the CT scanner, remove eyeglasses, dentures and other devices, such as hearing aids, if they contain metal.
Follow any specific guidance your doctor or the Touchstone Medical Imaging team provided. If, for example, your scan will include contrast dye, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the scan. Let our staff know about any medical conditions you have and any medications you take when you call to schedule your appointment.
CT scans have many benefits that outweigh any small potential risk. During a CT scan, you’re briefly exposed to ionizing radiation. CT scans use the lowest dose of radiation possible to obtain the needed medical information. The low doses of radiation used in CT scans have not been shown to cause long-term harm. In addition, Touchstone uses the latest technology and imaging techniques that require less radiation than older machines.
Once your CT scan is completed, our radiologists will interpret the images and create a diagnostic report for your medical provider. Your physician’s office will typically receive the report within 24 hours or less.
Yes! Your medical records are your property. Touchstone Medical Imaging provides access to your radiology radiologist reports using an AI technology that provides laymen’s term definitions and medical diagrams to explain medical terminology. We recommend reviewing your report, making notes on questions, and speaking with your doctor about your questions and next steps for treatment.
Touchstone offers cardiac scoring at select center locations in Colorado and Texas.