Computerized Tomography (CT) (Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital, Queensway Health Centre)
Description of Service
A computerized tomography scan, often called a CT scan, is a relatively simple and non-invasive medical test that uses x-rays and computers to produce multiple images of the body. Computerized tomography images of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater detail than regular x-ray exams.
Using this specialized equipment and the expertise of radiologists, problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, or musculoskeletal disorders can be identified. The scans are performed by Medical Radiation Technologists who have advanced training in CT.
Please tell your health care provider and the technologist if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant. Some CT exams require an injection of contrast or “dye”. Please tell your health care provider of any previous reactions to contrast, allergies or other medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease. Any of these conditions may change the type of scan we plan for you.
Why Perform a CT Scan?
Computerized Tomography, or CT, scans CT scans of internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels provide greater clarity and reveal more details than regular x-ray exams.
CT scanning provides more detailed information on:
Head injuries, stroke, brain tumors and other brain diseases
Internal organs, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels
Using specialized equipment and expertise to create and interpret CT scans of the body, radiologists can more easily diagnose problems such as cancers, cardiovascular disease, infectious disease, trauma and musculoskeletal disorders.
Specific Services Offered
- Cardiac CT
- Colonography CT
Preparation for Visit
If You Are Having a Head CT Scan
Please allow a minimum of 30 minutes for your appointment.
If You Are Having an Abdomen/Chest Prep CT Scan
Please allow a minimum of two hours for your appointment.
If You are Preparing for Paediatric CT Scan
Please allow for one to two hours for your appointment
Check with your Paediatrician/Family Doctor for specific instructions.
What to Wear
You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.
Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.
Inform Your Doctor if
You should let your doctor know of any medications you are taking and if you have any allergies. If you have a known allergy to IV contrast, or "dye," your will need to be premidicated and your doctor will prescribe medications to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction.
Also let you doctor know about any recent illnesses or other medical conditions, and if you have a history of heart disease, asthma, diabetes, kidney disease or thyroid problems. Any of these conditions may increase the risk of an unusual adverse effect. Women should always let their doctor and the CT technologist know if there is any possibility that they are pregnant.
What to Expect from Your Procedure
The technologist will begin by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back or possibly on your side or on your stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the exam.
If contrast is needed, it may be given via a drink, injected through an intravenous line (IV) and/or administered by enema, depending on the type of examination.
Next, the table will move through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then, the table will again move through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.
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 is similar to 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 scanning of the body is usually completed within 15 minutes.
What will I experience during and after the procedure?
CT exams are generally painless, fast and easy. With modern CT, the amount of time that the patient needs to lie still is reduced.
Though the scanning itself causes no pain, there may be some discomfort from having to remain still for several minutes. If you have a hard time staying still, are claustrophobic or have chronic pain, you may find a CT exam to be stressful.
If an intravenous contrast material is used, you will feel a slight pin prick when the needle is inserted into your vein. You may have a warm, flushed sensation during the injection of the contrast materials and a metallic taste in your mouth that lasts for a few minutes. Some patients may experience a sensation like they have to urinate but this subsides quickly.
Occasionally, a patient will develop itching and hives, which can be relieved with medication, you will need to let the technologist or nurse know if you feel any itchiness. If you become light-headed or experience difficulty breathing, you should notify the technologist or nurse, as it may indicate a more severe allergic reaction. A radiologist or other physician will be available for immediate assistance.
If the contrast material is swallowed, you may find the taste mildly unpleasant; however, most patients can easily tolerate it. You can expect to experience a sense of abdominal fullness and an increasing need to expel the liquid if your contrast material is given by enema. In this case, be patient, as the mild discomfort will not last long.
When you enter the CT scanner, special lights may be used to ensure that you are properly positioned. With modern CT scanners, you will hear only slight buzzing and whirring sounds as the CT scanner revolves around you during the imaging process.
You will be alone in the exam room during the CT scan. However, the technologist will be able to see, hear and speak with you at all times.
After a CT exam, you can return to your normal activities.
Please note that due to the high number of patient visits to our hospital every day, you may experience clinic wait times and a delay in finding parking. We encourage you to arrive early and allow for extra time on the day of your appointment. If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, the appointment may be rescheduled to another day. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
Care Team
- Medical Radiation Technologists
- Nurses
Radiologists
Education & Additional Information
To Our Diagnostic Imaging Patients and Providers:
Update as of July 2024:
The Cator Family Diagnostic Imaging Program at Queensway Health Centre (QHC) is being renovated. To ensure there is no disruption to patient care during these renovations, THP is operating a mobile CT unit at the QHC hospital.
More information is available below and if you have further questions, please connect with your care provider.
For patients visiting the mobile CT unit:
The Cator Family Diagnostic Imaging Program at Trillium Health Partners has put in place measures to ensure patients and staff are comfortable and safe throughout their appointment.
Please arrive on time - no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your arrival time.
Patients will be registered and have all pre-scan preparations done within the main Diagnostic Imaging Department. Patients will then be directed and escorted by a volunteer outside to the mobile CT trailer unit via a partially enclosed walkway.
Please note that while the walkway is partially enclosed, there will be some exposure to seasonal temperatures. It is recommended that all patients arrive for their scan in loose fitting clothing with no metal/jewellery. Patients will also be able to wear their shoes and outerwear to the mobile CT trailer unit.
Note: Your arrival time is not the same time as your appointment time, as it includes time to register and prepare you for the appointment.
If you are more than 10 minutes late from your arrival time, we may not be able to perform your study.
If you are running late, please call the department to see if we can still accommodate you.
Please sit in designated chairs only. Chairs have been blocked in our waiting areas to ensure physical distancing.
You should expect to be in Diagnostic Imaging for at least one to three hours.
Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact your referring healthcare provider. This includes requests to move up appointments, which need to be submitted in writing by the referring provider. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
Hours of Operation
Credit Valley Hospital
Monday - Friday: 7:00 am - 9:00 pm
Sat/Sun: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Mississauga Hospital
Monday - Friday: 6:00 am - 6:00 pm
Saturday/Sunday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Queensway Health Centre
Monday-Sunday: 8:00 am - 9:00 pm
Location
Diagnostic Imaging
Credit Valley Hospital
2200 Eglinton Ave. W.
Mississauga, Ontario L5M 2N1
Diagnostic Imaging
Mississauga Hospital
100 Queensway W
Mississauga, ON L5B 1B8
Diagnostic Imaging
Queensway Health Centre
150 Sherway Dr
Etobicoke, ON M9C 1A5
Contact Information
Credit Valley Hopsital
Phone Number: 905-813-4417
Mississauga Hospital
Phone Number: 905-848-7554
Queensway Health Centre
Phone Number: 416-521-4069
Referral Process
A completed and signed referral must be submitted by your health care provider prior to us booking an appointment for a CT scan.
