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Computed Tomography (CT)

Get a CT scan at Touchstone Medical Imaging

CT, or computed tomography, imaging provides doctors with in-depth information that is used to guide treatment and monitor various conditions.

How It Works

CT scans are a comprehensive form of X-ray technology that creates multiple images of your tissue, organs, and bones. These images, known as slices, are then merged using advanced software to create detailed, multidimensional pictures of sections of your body.

Find A Touchstone Imaging center offering CT appointments near you!

Reasons for Computed Tomography (CT)

Your doctor may order a CT scan to confirm a suspected diagnosis or pinpoint the cause of symptoms. Doctors use CT scans to help visualize or determine the source of:

  • Acute symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain
  • Blood clots or infections
  • Delicate fractures in the hands, feet, and spine
  • Injuries related to trauma, such as a car accident
  • Issues with brain function
  • Tissue function and structures in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis
  • Tumors in the chest, abdomen, or pelvis
  • Vascular structures, functions and conditions that contribute to heart and brain health

Doctors also use CT imaging to help with the diagnosis of medical conditions in children, including congenital heart or kidney malformations, and more common conditions, such as appendicitis.

While doctors most commonly order a CT scan as a diagnostic tool, they also use CT scans to help guide biopsies (removing tissue samples for analysis), plan for surgical procedures and measure bone mineral density.

Patient Reviews

Our patients say it best. Touchstone Imaging provides welcoming, comforting outpatient facilities with friendly and helpful staff.

Front office staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Technician was absolutely wonderful. Extremely friendly, kept me informed during the entire process of what she was doing and what would be happening next.
Tina J.
I had to take my 11-year-old in for an MRI of his knee. It was one of the best experiences we’ve had at a medical office in a long time. Everyone was friendly, informative, and professional.
Jodi E.
I had to get a brain MRI back in November. The check in process was fast and friendly. I didn’t have to wait long before being taken to the back to get prepped for my procedure. The staff made me feel at ease and the environment is very calming and tranquil. The MRI tech checked on me constantly during the procedure and kept me informed as to which part of the exam we are completing. I can’t remember her name but she was very nice and pleasant. If I ever have to get another diagnostic test, I will be returning here.
Brian V.
Everyone was excellent! I was acknowledged and welcomed when I entered the building. Front staff were professional and courteous when discussing paperwork. Friendly smiles. My technician impressed me as being highly trained in her field. Her personal and professional skills are awesome. Enjoyed something I wasn’t looking forward to.
Evangelina B.
Friendly staff. I called and got an appointment that fit my schedule. Quick check in. Relatively short wait time compared to a lot of medical facilities. The technician was friendly, gave clear instructions and made me feel comfortable. I was out in less than an hour.
Wendy B.
Great place, people, and atmosphere was awesome. The guy that brought me to the back had me laughing the whole way. They checked in on me a few times in the MRI machine to make sure I was doing ok and it made me feel more comfortable. I would recommend this place to anyone needing an MRI done.
Jon C.
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Choose accurate imaging and convenient service with Touchstone

Touchstone Medical Imaging provides CT scans at up to 60% less than the cost of hospital-based imaging. With extended and weekend hours at many locations and same-day and next-day appointment, Touchstone Imaging has options to meet your busy schedule. Touchstone has over 70 convenient, easy-to-access locations in multiple states.

CT Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a CT scan?

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.

How should I prepare for a CT scan?

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.

Is a CT Scan Safe?

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.

How quickly will be doctor have the results?

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.

Will I receive my imaging results too?

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.