CT scan

CT scan

A CT scan (Computed Tomography) uses X-rays to examine organs, bones and tissues in the body.

When can a CT scan be requested?

A CT scan can be requested by your GP or specialist:

  • If further investigation of your lung condition is required.
  • If you have any infections.
  • If you have cardiovascular disease.
  • If you have abdominal discomfort...
  • If you have conditions related to the central nervous system or brain.
  • If you have injuries in case of trauma / traffic accidents.

Side effects and risks of CT scan

X-rays penetrate the human body to varying degrees without becoming radioactive themselves. As the amount of radiation must be limited for everyone, the radiology staff ensure that the amount of radiation is as low as possible during each examination. The risks involved in the examination are therefore minimal.

Do you need to come sober?

Sometimes you have to come sober, sometimes you don't and you have to drink more.
For CT scans of kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and abdomen: do not eat or drink for 3 hours before the examination.

A CT scanner works with the same X-rays as a "normal" X-ray. The CT scanner makes cross-sections of the body, allowing the doctor to see slices of the body, as it were.

If all the photographed slices are placed one after the other, a three-dimensional image of a part of the body is created. In this way, the shape, size, structure and position of organs and any abnormalities can be seen.

Want to know more?
http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computertomografie

For some examinations a preparation is necessary to get a good result. You can see below whether this also applies to your examination.

Please note: If you do not follow the preparation instructions properly, the examination may not be able to take place. A new appointment will be made.

Sober?

For a CT scan of the kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and abdomen, you must not eat or drink for three hours before the examination.

Use of contrast medium

In CT scan of the abdomen:

  • Day before the examination 2 full cups
  • Day of examination still 2 full cups.
  • Do not eat anything three hours before the examination

What do you take with you?

  • Put on comfortable clothes.
  • Please bring your proof of insurance and your identification (passport or identity card).
  • Please take the application letter from your GP with you.

In a CT scan, an iodinated contrast medium is sometimes used. This is to distinguish between the different organs and tissues in the light.

This contrast medium must be drunk before an abdominal CT scan and is administered during the scan through a needle in the vein. Sometimes drinking the contrast medium can cause diarrhoea. When the fluid is injected, there may be a brief warm sensation in the body. This feeling disappears quickly and has no harmful effects.

Important!

If you have had an adverse reaction to a contrast medium or medication in the past, we urge you to report it. It is also important for us to know whether you suffer from diabetes or have kidney problems. You must also inform us of this. If necessary, the doctor will have your blood tested before you are given a contrast medium.

Swallowing contrast medium beforehand

At CT scan abdomen:

  • Day before the examination 2 full cups
  • Day of examination still 2 full cups.
  • Do not eat anything three hours before the examination

If you prepare well, the examination will go smoothly and quickly.

At home

  • Put on comfortable clothes.
  • Please bring your proof of insurance and your identification (passport or identity card).
  • Please take the application letter from your GP with you.
  • It is no problem at all to take someone with you.

In the hospital

  • CliniX is located at the radiology department in the Zaans Medical Centre.
  • Please check in at the CliniX desk 10 minutes before the time of your appointment.
  • The assistant will show you to the waiting room. Always report to the desk first and do not go directly to a waiting room because then we do not know that you are actually there.
  • There are often several people in the waiting room who come for a different type of examination, so it can happen that someone who comes into the waiting room after you will be helped sooner.

The research

  • A member of staff will collect you from the waiting room. They will show you to a changing room.
  • Remove jewellery, keep underwear on. You will be collected from the dressing room.
  • Depending on the examination, you will be given an infusion needle in the arm to administer contrast medium. This is usually the case unless there are reasons not to do so (see section on contrast agents!).
  • During the examination, the laboratory technician will instruct you on how to breathe. Listen carefully and follow the instructions. You may feel warm when the contrast dye enters the body.
  • There will be plenty of opportunity to ask questions. Please do so calmly, the lab technicians are very experienced and can explain everything to you.
  • During the examination, an accompanying person cannot usually stay with you in the CT room. Sometimes, however, it is possible, for example with small children.
  • The examination takes about 15 minutes.

Going home

  • The results will be sent to your doctor or physician.
  • He will contact you to discuss the results.

The (general) practitioner who requested the examination will receive the results within 24 hours. He/she will contact you to discuss the results.

If the examination was requested by your (general) practitioner, it is usually reimbursed by your insurance company. View the fee schedule

Is there a waiting period?

CliniX has a short waiting time. You can be admitted within 2 days.

Where is the research done?

CliniX is located in the Zaans Medical Centre at the Radiology Outpatient Clinic.

What should I bring?

Always bring your insurance certificate and proof of identity (passport or identity card). Bring your referral note with you. Make sure you have comfortable clothes.

Do I need to be sober?

For a CT scan of the kidneys, lungs, blood vessels and abdomen, you must not eat or drink for three hours before the examination.

How long does the examination last?

The examination takes about 15 minutes.

Are there any risks or side effects?

A CT scan does not emit much radiation but it is not completely harmless. For this reason, caution is exercised in performing this examination, especially on very young people. In any case, a CT scan is only carried out if it is really necessary. Contrast agents can trigger an allergic reaction and can be dangerous for people with poor kidney function. Consult your doctor about these matters and inform him or her if you are aware of them.

When do I get the results?

You will receive the results from your doctor.

Will the research be reimbursed?

Most of the time. Click here for an overview.

Radiological examinations
Make an appointment

To make an appointment, please contact us at 075 650 29 75. We are available from 08.00 - 16.30.

For this treatment you need a reference from the general practitioner.

Waiting time

You can visit us within 2 working days.

Did you know...
  • ...a CT scan takes a maximum of 15 minutes.
  • ...a CT scan is not painful. It is only the contrast medium that may cause you to feel warm or to feel the need to urinate. You will often be given an infusion needle to administer the contrast medium.

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