CT Scans 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. This comprehensive form of X-ray technology, sometimes referred to as a CAT scan, 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.

Touchstone Medical Imaging locations in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma and Texas perform CT imaging during a wide range of hours, including mornings, evenings and weekends. We also offer same-day and next-day appointments for your convenience.

Reasons for a CT scan

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.

Preparing for a CT scan at Touchstone

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.

What to expect 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.

Precise and reliable results in a caring environment

Touchstone Medical Imaging delivers advanced CT services in a compassionate environment, with processes in place to ensure convenient service and prompt results. No matter what brings you to us, our technologists will guide you seamlessly through your appointment for a reassuring experience. You can be confident that our team of fellowship-trained, subspecialty radiologists will give your doctors the clarity they need to help make a diagnosis.

Touchstone Medical Imaging provides CT scans in multiple imaging locations, with same-day and next-day appointments available. Find the Touchstone Medical Imaging Center closest to you, obtain a referral from your doctor, then call to schedule an appointment.