General CT
A CT scan provides detailed images of the inside of your body and can be used to look at organs, bones, blood vessels and soft tissues. It is a quick examination that can help your doctor investigate pain, injury, infection and a wide range of other health concerns.
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What does a CT scan examine?
CT (Computed Tomography) uses X-rays to take a series of detailed images from different angles. These are combined to give the radiologist a clear view of the area being examined.
CT can be used to look at many parts of the body, including the head, chest, abdomen and pelvis, as well as bones, blood vessels and soft tissues.
Why might I need a CT scan?
Your doctor may refer you for a CT scan to investigate symptoms such as pain, or to look for injuries, infection, kidney stones or other changes within the body. It can also be used to further investigate something seen on another scan, plan treatment or monitor an existing condition.
What can I expect?
During your scan, you will lie on a table that moves through a wide, open ring of the CT scanner. You will need to keep still and may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken.
Depending on the type of CT you are having, you may need contrast to help certain areas show more clearly. This may be given as a drink or through a small cannula into a vein. If you receive contrast through a vein, it is normal to experience a brief warm sensation or metallic taste.
How should I prepare?
Preparation depends on the type of CT scan you are having. You may be asked to fast beforehand, drink water or follow specific medication instructions.
Please let our team know before your appointment if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, have kidney problems, diabetes, any allergies or have previously had a reaction to contrast.
Benefits of CT imaging
CT scans are quick and provide detailed images of many areas of the body. They can give your doctor valuable information to help make a diagnosis, plan treatment or monitor your condition.
FAQs
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No, some CT scans require contrast and others do not. This will depend on the area being examined and what your doctor needs to investigate.
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If contrast is given through a vein, you may briefly feel warm throughout your body or notice a metallic taste in your mouth. This is normal and usually passes very quickly.
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The scan itself is usually quite quick. Your overall appointment may take longer if preparation or contrast is required.
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Please let us know if you are pregnant or may be pregnant, have kidney problems, diabetes, allergies, take regular medications or have previously experienced a reaction to contrast.
CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
CT coronary angiography creates detailed images of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. It is used to look for plaque, narrowing or other changes that may affect blood flow. The examination uses ECG monitoring and intravenous contrast, and medication may be given to obtain clear images.
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What it examines
CT coronary angiography (CTCA) is a specialised CT examination that creates detailed images of the coronary arteries supplying the heart muscle. It can show plaque build-up and narrowing within these vessels and provide information about cardiac anatomy.
Why it may be recommended
Your doctor may recommend CTCA to investigate chest pain or other symptoms, clarify an uncertain cardiac risk assessment, or assess suspected coronary artery disease. It is different from a coronary calcium score because CTCA uses intravenous contrast to show the artery lumen and surrounding plaque.
What to expect
ECG leads will be placed on your chest so image capture can be timed with your heartbeat. A cannula is inserted for contrast, and medication may be given to slow the heart rate or temporarily widen the coronary arteries. You will lie on the CT table and hold your breath for short periods while images are taken.
Preparation
Preparation is important and may include avoiding caffeine, nicotine, strenuous exercise and certain medicines for a specified period. Do not change prescribed medication unless instructed. Please advise us about asthma, allergies, kidney problems, diabetes, pregnancy or erectile-dysfunction medication when booking.
Key benefits
CTCA is a non-invasive way to obtain detailed coronary artery images and can help guide further investigation, prevention and treatment.
FAQs
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CTCA uses intravenous contrast to show the coronary artery lumen and plaque. A calcium score measures calcified plaque and usually does not require contrast.
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A slower, steady heart rate helps the scanner produce clearer images of the moving coronary arteries. Medication is only given after appropriate clinical checks.
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Caffeine can increase the heart rate and make it more difficult to obtain clear images. Follow the exact avoidance period given with your appointment instructions.
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Scanning is quick, but preparation and heart-rate management can take additional time. The booking team will advise how long to allow for your appointment.
CT Calcium Score
A coronary artery calcium score is a quick, non-invasive CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the arteries supplying the heart. The result can help your doctor assess future cardiovascular risk and guide preventive care. The scan does not usually require an injection of contrast.
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What it examines
A coronary artery calcium score uses a specialised CT scan to detect and measure calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The amount of calcium is reported as a score, which your doctor considers alongside factors such as age, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking history and family history.
Why it may be recommended
Your doctor may recommend calcium scoring when more information is needed to assess your risk of coronary artery disease and future cardiovascular events. It is generally used for selected people without known coronary artery disease and is not intended to assess acute chest pain.
What to expect
Small ECG leads are placed on your chest to coordinate the scan with your heartbeat. You will lie on the CT table and hold your breath for a few seconds while images are taken. The scan is quick, painless and does not usually require intravenous contrast.
Preparation
Preparation is generally minimal, although you may be asked to avoid caffeine, nicotine or strenuous exercise before the appointment. Follow the instructions provided when booking and continue prescribed medication unless told otherwise.
Key benefits
Calcium scoring can refine cardiovascular risk assessment and support a personalised discussion with your doctor about lifestyle, medication and preventive care.
FAQs
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A standard coronary artery calcium score does not usually require an injection of contrast.
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The result reflects the amount of calcified plaque detected in the coronary arteries. Your doctor will interpret it alongside your age, symptoms and other cardiovascular risk factors.
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No. A calcium score does not show every type of plaque or explain all causes of chest symptoms. It is one part of a broader cardiovascular assessment.
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It is not intended as an emergency test for acute chest pain. Seek urgent medical care for new, severe or concerning chest symptoms.
Cone Beam CT
Cone Beam CT (CBCT) is a specialised CT used to capture 3D images of the jaw, mouth, teeth, neck and ears. Soft tissues, bones, nerve tracts and dental structures can be visualised using this technology.
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When attending for your scan, please bring your referral from your medical practitioner and Medicare card. Please also bring any previous scans or reports relating to the region being scanned, if they were not undertaken at Marina.
You will need to remove any metallic objects (earrings, hair clips, necklaces, spectacles etc) near your head and neck to avoid interference with the scan. It is therefore advisable to leave any such items at home.
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CBCT’s are quick examinations and typically take only 5-10 minutes in total.
To help position your head correctly and minimize movement during the scan, you will be asked to gently bite down on a sterile mouth piece, and hold onto a pair of handles. Your radiographer will then ask you to remain still, and the scan will commence.
During the scan, multiple images will be taken as the arm of the CBCT machine rotates around your head. At no point will the machine make contact with your head, nor will you experience any pain.
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You will receive a electronic copy of your scans at the conclusion of your appointment. You are welcome to wait for this to be provided, or, should it be more convenient, arrange an alternative time to collect it. Once one of our specialist doctors (radiologist) has reviewed and assessed your scan, the report will be sent to your practitioner either electronically, or by fax.
Your results will be communicated to you by your dental practitioner. It is therefore strongly advised that following your scan you return to your dental professional to discuss your results and subsequent treatment.
Dentascan CT
CT Dentascan provides 3D images of the overall facial and mandible structure. Images are taken along three planes enabling superior precision in pinpointing and measuring anatomical structures.
The efficacy of a CT Dentascan is enhanced at Marina with our cutting-edge equipment and skilled technicians, ensuring patients receive the lowest radiation dose possible every time. Further to this, it provides dental practitioners with greater visualisation and knowledge of the internal structures prior to surgery.
Preparation
If you think or know you are pregnant, please inform the radiographer before your scan. Please also bring any previous scans or reports relating to the region being scanned, if they were not undertaken at Marina.
You will need to remove any jewellery and metal items (hairpins, hearing aids etc) from the area being scanned. If you have any questions about your scan, please don't hesitate to ask our staff.
FAQs - General
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Developing fetuses are sensitive to x-rays such as those used in CT’s. It is therefore important that you inform your doctor and, especially our staff, if you are or could be pregnant, prior to your scan.
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Yes, mothers can continue breastfeeding as normal. The only exception to this however is if you have received a contrast injection or oral fluid. Should this be the case you will need to cease breastfeeding for 24 hours after the scan.
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Should you be taking Metformin (also called Glucophage, Diabex or Diaformin) for diabetes, it is important to notify our staff of this when booking your appointment. You may be required to discontinue taking Metformin on the day of your scan and for 24 hours thereafter. Ideally, recent renal function blood test results should be brought to your appointment. All other medications can be continued as per normal unless otherwise advised.
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The duration of the scan varies depending on a variety of factors such as the body region being scanned, if contrast is required and your body size. A standard CT appointment roughly takes 10 to 30 minutes.
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Yes, you can resume all normal activities after a CT scan.
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You may be asked to change into a gown, however, this depends on the region being imaged and what clothes you are wearing. It is therefore advisable to wear light, loose fitting clothes with no metal zips, buttons or fasteners.
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You will receive all findings from your scan from your referring practitioner. The responsibility of the radiographer is to perform and produce high quality images for the radiologist to interpret.
FAQs - Cone Beam
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No, CBCT’s cannot be felt and the machine will not come into contact with you during the scan.
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All X-Ray and CT machines (including CBCT machines) at Marina, are fitted with advanced low dose technology, which minimises the radiation dose of every scan for every patient. Marina is known and acknowledged for fostering a strong low dose culture, thereby further reducing exposure levels.
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Unborn babies are more sensitive to the risks associated with CT’s. It is therefore important that you inform our staff and your doctor if you are, or may be pregnant prior to your scan.
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If your assistance is required to help calm or keep your child still, we will supply you with a lead gown so you can accompany them during the procedure. However, in cases where you are pregnant or have other young children with you, you are asked to please bring an additional adult with you to assist. Unborn babies and young children are more susceptible to the effects of CT, thus Marina mandates avoiding any unnecessary exposure.
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You will receive all findings from your scan from your referring practitioner. The responsibility of the radiographer is to perform and produce high quality images for the radiologist to interpret.
