Norman Regional Health System has seven CT scanners at five different locations
to better serve our community.
Norman Regional Hospital has five CT units located at 3300 HealthPlex Pkwy.,
Norman, OK 73072.
Norman Regional Moore has one CT and is located at 700 S. Telephone Rd.
Moore, OK 73160.
Norman Regional Nine has one CT and is located at 2000 Ann Branden Blvd.
Norman, OK 73071.
To contact the scheduling department please call
405-307-2290.
What is a CAT Scan (CT)?
CT is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses X-rays and detects disorders
and disease in muscle, bone, soft tissue, organs and vessels. Unlike conventional
X-ray, which uses a stationary X-ray machine to produce a two-dimensional
image much like a photograph, a CT scan uses an X-ray tube and receptors
rotating around the patient and a powerful computer to create cross section
images across your body in any plane.
What are Some Common Uses for CT?
Guide doctors performing procedures such as radiation therapy, biopsy,
and surgery
Detect and monitor any change in diseases like cancer or heart disease
Detect internal bleeding
Pinpoint the location and size of tumors
Identify areas of infection
Find blood clots
Quickly detect injuries to organs and vessels in cases of trauma
Measure bone mineral density for the detection of Osteoporosis
Diagnosis of acute stroke
Identify calcium buildup in cardiac vessels which is an indicator for possible blockages
What can you Expect During a CT Scan?
Depending on the type of scan you are having and the preparation needed
your exam can take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour. Some factors attributing
to the time needed include: starting an IV for IV contrast administration,
oral contrast administration, diagnosis, patient’s ability to hold
still, delays needed for normal body processing and uptake of the IV contrast.
During the scan you will lay on a padded table, which will be raised then
moved in and out of a doughnut-shaped machine. You will lie on your back,
side or stomach depending on what area you are having scanned. The table
will move in and out of the machine several times quickly, this is used
to get a basic image for positioning slices.
Breathing instructions will be given before each scan is done. It is important
to pay attention to the verbal breathing instructions as they are not
always the same. During the actual scan the table will move slowly through
the scanner while images are obtained. Lying as still as possible throughout
these scans is very important because any movement or repositioning can
cause motion on images or anatomy to be missed on the scan. During some
scans contrast may be injected into an IV in your vein, this contrast
helps highlight any tissues that get blood flow and also will get picked
up by your kidneys, so on abdominal scans delayed scans will be taken
to show kidney and bladder function. After the scan is complete the CT
staff will check the images for motion and proper positioning and inclusion
of all anatomy before getting patient off of the table. It is important
to note that the CT staff will be watching the patient and communicating
with the patient throughout the exam by intercom. After the images are
checked and the patient is evaluated for any adverse reaction to any contrast
given the patient will be helped up and given instructions for the rest
of the days’ activities.
What is Contrast and how is it used?
Contrast sometimes referred to as “dyes” are used to highlight
organs, tissues and blood vessels. They can help the radiologist determine
the presence and extent of injury or disease by increasing the visibility
of all the structures of organs and tissues being examined. There are
three main types of contrast for CT’s:
Iodine based contrast
Barium Sulfate
Contrast agents for CT exams can be administered in three ways:
Orally (contrast can be drank before an exam and allowed time to work its
way through the colon helping with diagnosis and visualization)
Intravenously (contrast can be injected through an IV catheter into the
patients blood stream helping show tissues, organs and vessels)
Rectally (contrast will be administered through an enema this highlights
the large intestine and lower GI system)
Oral contrast can be in two different forms:
Barium/Barium Sulfate is the most common oral contrast agent and resembles
a milk shake in appearance and consistency.
Iodine based oral contrast is a clear iodine-based drink mixed with water.
When either oral contrast is used the patient will usually drink about
1,000 to 1,500 cc, the equivalent of 3 to 4 12-ounce drinks.
Usually an hour to two hour prep time is needed for oral contrast to work
its way through the GI system. This being the case, many patients pick
up there contrast the day before their CT at any campus in Imaging and
follow prepping instructions given.
IV or Intravenous contrast is used to highlight organs and tissues and
vessels throughout the body. Iodine is the most common IV contras.
During injection it is common to feel a warm sensation or hot flash throughout
the body and this is sometimes accompanied by a metallic taste or smell
and a sensation of a rush to your bladder or urgency to urinate. Contrast
administration is done at a certain time during exams and scans are sequenced
after injection to view uptake and disposal. After the exam is completed
your kidneys and liver quickly eliminate the contrast from your body.
Rectal contrast is used to highlight the large intestine and the lower
GI system, and is administered through an enema.
Both barium and iodine can be used as rectal contrast.
When rectal contrast is administered the patient might experience mild
discomfort, coolness and a sense of fullness, sometimes a cramping sensation
will also accompany this sensation. After the procedure is complete the
contrast is drained and the patient may use the restroom. The preparation
for rectal contrast administration includes fasting for several hours
and the use of a cleansing enema the night before the procedure to cleanse
the colon.
As with any medicine, contrast or substance injested or injected there
is a risk of allergic reaction to contrast. If you have any change in
how you feel, difficulty breathing, hives or itchiness after having contrast
administered, it is very important to tell the CT staff.
How should I prepare for the CAT scan?
Comfortable loose fitting clothing should be worn for your exam. A gown
will be provided if clothes have any artifacts on them that will interfere
with imaging such as metal buttons and clasps. Metal objects, jewelry,
dentures, hearing aids, and hair pins may have to be removed depending
on there location to the area of interest. Depending on the type of study
you will be having you may be given instructions before your exam on what
you can eat and/or drink before your exam, this is especially true when
contrast will be used during the scan. Women who are pregnant or think
they may be pregnant need to inform both their doctor and the technologist
before having the CAT scan. This needs to be discussed with your doctor
to make sure the benefits will outweigh the possible risk to your baby.
Always provide the CT staff with a list of any medications you are taking
and a list of all food or drug allergies. Certain medications will need
to be held for 48 hours after a contrast injection.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
CAT scan results are interpreted by a radiologist who is a physician trained
to supervise and interpret radiological examinations. The radiologist
will analyze all the images taken during your exam and send a signed report
to the ordering physician this will take 24 to 48 hours, additional copies
can be sent upon request to primary care physicians or specialists. The
ordering physician or your primary care physician will go over the results with you.
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