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 Our multi-slice helical CT scanner enables medical staff to assess and diagnose illness at much earlier stages. Cross-sectional images are produced and manipulated with the aid of advanced computers to allow a thorough picture of the patient's anatomy. We are also able to create 3-dimension models, evaluate blood vessels, and perform virtual endoscopy studies.
The scanner is in operation Monday through Friday during the day. During evenings, nights, and weekends emergency cases are handled by on call technologists and radiologists. The scanner provides service to approximately 7000 patients annually including patients from the Grand River Cancer Centre, outpatients, and inpatients. Interventional procedures such as biopsies and drainages are performed in the CT suite.
CT examinations are booked by referring physicians and are prioritized based upon medical urgency.
Some radiological examinations require the use of contrast media, an iodine containing liquid injected into the body to enhance x-ray procedures. When contrast media is used, a consent form must be signed. If you are unable to understand English, please bring a translator with you on the day of the exam. Mild reactions to contrast media include nausea and hives. More severe reactions, such as a drop in blood pressure, may occur. If you are asthmatic or have had an allergic reaction to contrast media in the past, please notify your referring physician and the secretary scheduling your appointment. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation or postponement of your exam. Your health is our priority, and it is necessary that we are aware of any possible risks or complications.
These exams require the use of x-rays. Therefore, you should postpone any of these exams if there is any possibility that you could be pregnant. If you are presently taking metformin please inform the secretary scheduling your appointment.
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam, medications may be taken with small amount of water. |
The patient will receive oral contrast in the CT department one hour prior to scanning. The patient will most likely require the injection of intravenous contrast media. The scans will take approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination to evaluate abdominal and pelvic organs.
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| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth after 2100 hrs the day prior to the exam, medications may be taken with small amount of fluid. |
The patient will require the injection of intravenous contrast media.The exam will take approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination to evaluate specific blood vessels. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam, medications may be taken with small amount of fluid. |
The patient will most likely require the injection of intravenous contrast media. The scans will take approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination to evaluate the lungs and vessels of the chest. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to exam, medication may be taken with small amount of fluid. |
The patient may require the injection of intravenous contrast media. The examination takes approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination to evaluate the brain and blood vessels of the head. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to the exam, medications may be taken with small amount of fluid. |
The patient may require the injection of intravenous contrast media. The examination takes approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination to evaluate a specific structure in the head, glandular or bone. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to the exam, medication may be taken with small amount of fluid. |
Outpatients will be admitted to the Medical Day Unit on the morning of the exam. The patient's vital signs are recorded and blood will be drawn on this unit prior to going to the CT suite. Patients may require oral contrast and the injection of intravenous contrast media. The exam will take approximately 45 minutes. The patient will most likely go the recovery room after the exam for one hour and then back to the Medical Day Unit for 2-3 hours. |
CT examination to biopsy tissue or bone or drain fluid from an abnormal fluid collection in the body. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Please follow preparation for Myelogram |
The CT examination will take approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination of the spinal column following the injection of contrast media. Please refer to Myelogram for further instructions. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Nothing by mouth 4 hours prior to the examination, medications may be taken with small amount of fluid. |
The patient will receive an injection of intravenous contrast media. The examination will take approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination of the soft tissue structures of the neck including glands, vessels and lymph nodes. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| No patient preparation required. |
There is usually no need to inject intravenous contrast media (dependant upon patient history).The examination takes approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination of a specific joint or extremity. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| No patient preparation required. |
The examination takes approximately 15 minutes. |
CT examination of the vertebrae and disc spaces of the spine. Referring physician will indicate the specific vertebral levels to be scanned. |
| PREPARATION |
PROCEDURE TIME |
DESCRIPTION |
| Clear fluids 2 days prior to exam. Phospho Soda 75mls at 4:00 p.m. day prior to exam. Nothing by mouth after 9:00 p.m. the day prior. |
Patient may require the injection of intravenous contrast media. The bowel will be inflated with air through a rectal tube inserted by the technologist. The entire exam will take approximately 30-45 minutes. |
CT examination of the large bowel. |
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