Cat Scan

The versatile Spiral CAT (Computerized Axial Tomography) machine produces a cross section image of the body's internal organs. These images assist your physician with diagnosing a broad range of condition. If you are scheduled for a CAT Scan:

• Exams typically require between 45 minutes to an hour.
• Be sure to drink plenty of fluids the day before a head, chest, or abdominal scan.
• On the day your Scan is scheduled, arrive 15 minutes early to take care of any necessary paperwork at Outpatient Registration.
• If having an abdominal scan, you will need to drink liquid barium one hour before the exam. Please be sure not to eat anything four hours prior to the exam.
• Those having a pelvic exam will need to drink liquid barium approximately 1.5 hours before the exam.
• Most spinal and head scans require no special patient preparations or restrictions.