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St. John's Regional Medical Center
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Radiology

CT or CAT Scan
A Computed Tomography scan (CT or CAT) uses low energy x-rays and computers to create a cross-sectional image of your body. It provides much more information than a basic x-ray. A CT scan is performed while you lie on a long table that slides into a large circular opening in the imaging machine. The scanner will rotate around you, emitting x-rays and a buzzing noise.
It is important to remain very still during the procedure. Sometimes an injection of contrast agent is given to help make the image clearer to the doctor. You will be able to speak to the technologist while you are in the machine. The scan may take 15-30 minutes. Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or allergic to iodine.

Benefits of St. John's new CT scanner:

  • Full CT Angiography coverage
  • Better cross-seeberial displays and 3D images
  • Capture heart images in a single Breath-hold
  • Variable speed scanning - better control
  • Scans fast for sharper, clear images