CT Scan cost at quality centres - ChooseDoctor Healthcare.

A computerized tomography (CT) scan combines a series of X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional images or slices of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside the body. CT scan images provide more detailed information than plain X-rays. Digital geometry processing is used to generate a three-dimensional image of the body part from a large series of two-dimensional radiographic images taken around a single axis of rotation.  

CT of the body uses special X-ray equipment to help detect a variety of diseases and conditions. CT scanning is fast, painless, non-invasive and accurate. In emergency cases, it can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to help save lives. The cross-sectional images obtained in CT scan are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various medical disciplines.

• CT scan is performed on patients with head injuries from trauma such as a motor vehicle accident. It also identifies injuries to the lungs, heart and vessels, liver, spleen, kidneys, bowel or other internal organs in cases of trauma.

• CT scan is performed on patients with acute symptoms such as chest or abdominal pain or difficulty in breathing.

• CT imaging is one of the fastest and most accurate tools for examining the chest, abdomen and pelvis because it provides detailed, cross-sectional views of all types of tissue.

• CT scan is useful for detecting many different cancers, such as lymphoma and cancers of the lung, liver, kidney, ovary and pancreas. The image allows a physician to confirm the presence of a tumour, measure its size, identify its precise location and determine the extent of its involvement with other nearby tissue.

• CT scan is performed for detection, diagnosis and treatment of vascular diseases that can lead to stroke, kidney failure or even death. CT is commonly used to assess for pulmonary embolism - a blood clot in the lung vessels as well as for aortic aneurysms.

• CT Scan helps in diagnosing and treating spinal problems and injuries to the hands, feet and other skeletal structures because it can clearly show even very small bones as well as surrounding tissues such as muscle and blood vessels.

• CT scan is used for guide biopsies and other procedures such as abscess drainages and minimally invasive tumour treatments.

• It can be used to plan for and assess the results of surgery such as organ transplants or gastric bypass.

• CT scan is also used to stage, plan and properly administer radiation treatments for tumours as well as monitor response to chemotherapy.

• It helps measure bone mineral density for the detection of osteoporosis.

• In paediatric patients, CT imaging is often used to evaluate all kinds of tumours/cancers, congenital malformations of the heart, kidneys and blood vessels, cystic fibrosis, complications of acute appendicitis, complications of pneumonia and inflammatory bowel disease.

• If you are pregnant.
• Are you suffering from illness.
• Medical conditions like history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems.
• Medications you’re taking.
• Any known allergies.

The Day your doctor ordered the CT test – Prepare for CT Scan test

• Remind your doctor about any disease you have, prescribed medications you are taking and over the counter medication you are using.
• Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, as fetuses are more sensitive to X-rays.
• Let your doctor know about any llergies you might have so she can decide whether you will need to take allergy medication for the contrast administration (this is very rare) on the day of your scheduled test.
• Tell your doctor if you are nervous about close spaces (claustrophobia) so you would be given medication (a sedative) that will calm you down or        make you feel relaxed on the day of your scheduled test.

The Day before the CT test

• You will receive a letter in the mail or a phone call from a staff of the facility where your CT scan was scheduled. He/she will provide you with information   regarding what to do on the day of your test.
• If you are going to have a contrast CT scan, fasting will be required:
  • If your appointment is in the morning, you will be asked not to eat after midnight before and you will be asked to drink only water before the scan.
  • If your appointment is in the afternoon or evening, you will be asked not to eat 4-6 hours before the scan time and to drink water only.

The Day of the CT test

• If you suffer from diabetes, you cannot take your medication (e.g. metformin and/or insulin) on the day of  the test until the CT scan is done.
• You have to arrive at the facility 30 min ahead of your scheduled time to do your paperwork.
• The staff will ask you to wait in the waiting area for the Radiology Technologist to come and escort you to  the procedure area.
• They will ask you to change into a hospital gown so put on easy-to-wear outfits that you can take off and wear again easily.
• Avoid wearing jewelry or hair pins as it will interfere with the imaging process so you will be asked to take it off.
• If you are having a contrast CT, you will be asked to read, understand and sign a consent form in agreement to have the scan performed.
• If you scheduled for a contrast CT, the contrast medium (example, OMNIPAQUE 240 OR 300) will be administered to you orally (drink) or by intravenous (IV) injection.
• A family member or a friend accompanying you in appointment with you will not be allowed in the procedure room because of protection against X-rays.
• The Technologist will be in a separate room to operate the scanner and the monitor during which thin beams of X-rays will be passed through your body. The absorbed X-ray are detected and used to generate images of the tissues and organs of your body on a 3D computer.
• The Technologist will be able to communicate with you via an intercom or microphone embedded in the scanner.

After your CT scan

• After the scanning, you are free to return to your regular activities.
• If you had a contrast CT and have a kidney function problems you may be required to have a follow-up appointment with your doctor.
• If you had a contrast CT and have diabetes, your doctor may require you to do a followup to make sure your blood sugar level is where it needs to be when you go back on your medication. Kidney test may be  performed to make sure your kidneys are working properly.

Your primary healthcare doctor will notify you of your results once they receive the report from the Radiologist. It  usually takes 2-3 business days after the CT scan test.

In CT scan numerous X-ray beams and a set of electronic X-ray detectors rotate around you, measuring the amount of radiation being absorbed throughout the body. Sometimes, the examination table will move during the scan, so that the X-ray beam follows a spiral path. A special computer program processes this large volume of data to create two-dimensional cross-sectional images of your body, which are then displayed on a monitor. When the image slices are re-assembled by computer software, the result is a very detailed multi-dimensional view of the body's interior. It is this crucial difference in absorption that allows the body parts to be distinguished from one another on a CT electronic image.

Yes, although they will likely have to wait in a waiting room while the scan is being done. While you're getting scanned, you can communicate with the technologist at any time through an intercom system. There is an alarm/bell which can be used to call someone in case of discomfort. Under special circumstances the accompanying person is allowed inside by wearing a lead shield to minimize radiation exposure.

• When you enter the scanning room, the Radiology Technologist will administer the contrast if you are having a contrast CT.
• You are asked to lie flat on your back on the scanner bed. Sometimes pillows and straps might be used for correct positioning and to help you to remain still.
• The CT scan machine is large and box-like or tunnel-like, attached to a flatbed. 
• The body is slid into the scanner and numerous X-ray beams attached to set of electronic X-ray detectors rotate around you, as different parts of the body absorb the radiation. Sometimes the bed is detached from the scanner for a spiral rotation of the X-ray beam.
• The body organs and structures are scanned and displayed as slices of images on special computer software. The numerous images are then re-assembled in different dimensions to view as 3D images of the inner body parts

• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.

• Metal objects, including coins, jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins, may affect the CT images and should be removed prior to the scan.

• Hearing aids and removable dental work must be removed.

• Women will be asked to remove bras containing metal underwire.

• Any piercings should be removed if possible.

• If contrast has to be used for the study, you will be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand.

They can provide useful additional information for the Radiologist for comparison purposes when they are interpreting the scan. That can help in better diagnosis and treatment plan.

You may be asked to hold your breath during the scanning. Any motion whether breathing or body movements, can lead to artifacts on the images. This loss of image quality can resemble the blurring seen on a photograph taken of a moving object. When the examination is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the images are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation.

CT, PET and MRI scan tests are all diagnostic imaging techniques used to detect the presence of diseases in the body, but they work differently. CT scan uses small doses of ionizing radiation called X-rays to obtain images inside of your body as the scanner rotates and reveals if there is any abnormality of the organs or structures. MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), on the other hand utilizes magnetic field and radio waves which line-up with particles of the cells of the body to produce detailed images of the structures and organs, while with PET (Positron Emission Tomography), an individual having the test is injected with a radiotracer that has very small radioactive sugar component and as the cells uptake and metabolize the tracer, radioactive energy is emitted which is used to generate images on a 3D computer. Thus PET scan reveals if the tissues or organs of the body are working properly by measuring its chemical and biological processes.

CT scans with IV or oral contrast are performed to get a detailed image of the inside of the body. These scans use a radiopaque substance that illuminates your internal structures. This contrast material may be swallowed, injected through an IV directly into the blood stream or administered by enema depending on the type of examination. The CT examination is usually completed within 30 minutes. 

A radiologist with expertise in supervising and interpreting radiology examinations will analyze the CT images and prepare a report within 24 hours.

• A potential abnormality that needs further evaluation with additional views or a special imaging technique.

• Any change in a known abnormality monitored over time.

• If treatment is working

• To check if the finding is stable or changed over time.

Soft-tissue details in areas such as the brain, internal pelvic organs and joints (such as knees and shoulders) can often be better evaluated with MRI.

In pregnant women, other imaging exams not involving radiation, such as ultrasound or MRI are preferred. A conventional CT scanner or may be over the weight limit for the moving table.

• The contrast dye used in the test can make your kidneys worse, especially if you have kidney disease and it could result in temporary kidney failure.
• If you are allergic to the contrast and did not take your allergy medication before the test, you may get a rash or you may experience a low blood pressure which will make you feel dizzy until you are treated.
• The contrast gets washed out from the body through passing water (urine) so it is advisable to drink lots of water after the scan.
• The X-ray radiation dosage used for CT is a bit higher than regular X-rays but it is still too low to cause any harm to adults.

The technical cost of CT scan varies, but essentially it covers the cost of the equipment, the facility overhead, running costs and other non-professional expenses. CT scanning equipment is expensive to buy and expensive to maintain.

Imaging machines are expensive. A refurbished CT scanner could cost $65,000 and produces only small images quickly. A larger and brand new CT scanner can run as high as $2.5 million. Prices are slightly higher for MRI machines, running up to about $3 million for a new machine. Ultrasound machines are much cheaper at $10,000-$200,000, depending on brand and type.

For hospitals and imaging centers, the base price for machines is just the beginning. Radiology machines usually cost about $100,000 per year to maintain, since they get very hot and must have an internal cooling source, which also requires a lot of energy. Electricity bills are pretty high. Additionally, these machines must be placed in suites that protect patients and staff from magnetic waves that can cause problems with pacemakers and other devices. Installation of machines in these suites also could cost close the cost of the machine itself. Radiology report also adds to the CT scan prices.