Our services
CT Scan
CT imaging is often used for Dental Imaging, Cardiac Imaging, Coronary Angiograms, Colonoscopies and Interventional Pain Management treatments.
What is a CT Scan?
Computed tomography (or a CT scan) is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and digital technology to create cross-section images of the body. It can make an image of every type of body structure at once.
CT images provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissue and blood vessels. The CT scanner looks like a large doughnut and has a flat table that passes through the middle. You will be asked to lie on the table and will be moved through the opening in the gantry. Sunshine Coast Radiology has dose reduction software on our CT scanners to ensure the radiation dose is kept to a minimum.
Types of CT Scans done
Sunshine Coast Radiology uses CT to diagnose a range of conditions by performing tests including:
- Dental Imaging
- Cardiac Imaging
- Coronary Angiorgrams
- Colonoscopies
- Interventional Pain Management
About Your Test
Before your appointment
You will need a referral from your doctor to make an appointment.
Upon receiving your referral, our Bookings Team will be able to help assist you in finding a time that works for you to have your test done.
At the time you make your appointment, our Bookings Team will advise you of anything you need to do to prepare for your test. This could include fasting or drinking water.
On the day
You will be asked to complete a questionnaire upon arrival. In some instances, you will also need to change into a gown. The radiographer performing the examination will go through the steps with you before the scan. You will be asked to lie on the table and our Radiographer will position you for the scan. The radiographer will be able to talk and hear you via a microphone throughout the scan.
The actual scan usually takes only a matter of seconds. However, the examination can take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete.
You may need an injection of a special dye (called contrast) which helps the Radiologist to visualise vessels and internal organs in certain cases. Please tell the staff if you have had any form of reaction to the contrast before.
After your appointment
Our reception staff will advise you at the time of booking of the exact requirements, depending on your procedure. Scans with contrast require a fast for two hours and you will need to drink 2L of water prior to the scan.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire upon arrival. In some instances, you will also need to change into a gown. You will be asked to lie on the table and our Radiographer will position you for the scan. The Radiographer then moves into the next room to a control console, but they can talk and listen to you via a microphone and can see the whole procedure through a window.
Sometimes you will need an injection of a special dye (called contrast) which helps the Radiologist to visualise vessels and internal organs in certain cases. The radiographer performing the examination will go through the steps with you before the scan. Please tell the staff if you have had any form of reaction to the contrast before.
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings will you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
The entire procedure takes approximately 15-20 minutes to complete, although real scanning time is only 2-3 minutes.
Your images and report are provided through a secure online system to your doctor or healthcare provider. We will also provide you with a printed copy to bring to your next appointment.
Our friendly reception staff will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking. If your exam is Medicare eligible, you will be bulk billed.
