64 Multislice CT Scan

The center is equipped with most updated state of the art CT 64 multislice CT machine, with up to date software (the latest), including all conventional and interventional related procedures as Coronary CTangiography, virtual endoscopy, CT fluoroscopy to guide biopsies, 3D studies and all types of CT angiography and others…The examinations only take seconds and their interpretation is done by specialized highly trained staff.

• Multislice 64 CT system presents best isotropic slice resolution image quality with superior diagnostic capabilities, high multiplanar and image quality accuracy
• Significant reduction in amount of contrast media in the patient compared to previous CT scanners
• Fastest temporal resolution, to cover the entire heart within a 5 to 15 second breath hold
• Sub-millimeter 64-row scanning offers high spatial resolution, as low as 350 micron detail, to visualize small coronaries and inside stents

What does a 64 Multislice CT scan show?
This scan shows the inside of the body (part examined). It shows parts such as the brain, coronary arteries, heart, bony structures, abdomen, pelvis, lungs and blood vessels (CT angiography).

What about some of the words you will hear about the 64 Multislice CT?
Intravenous injection (IV):
A small needle placed in the hand, arm or foot used to inject contrast material or sedation.

Contrast material (non-ionic):
A liquid that helps produce a better picture during the exam and is given in an IV

The patient may need IV contrast - a liquid which helps produce a better picture when put into the body through the veins - for the exam. In that case, the patient should not eat or drink for 4 hours before the appointment. Sedation may be needed. A child or adult who needs sedation cannot have solid foods, formula or milk for six hours before the scan.

How is a 64 Multislice CT picture made?

The CT technologist or radiology nurse will bring you into the CT room. At this time, if IV contrast is needed, an IV line will be applied started. The radiologist, a doctor who is specially trained to look at X-rays nurse or technologist will help you lie down on the scan table. A safety belt can be inserted around the chest and arms, and a small strap will go across the forehead.

If your child cannot hold still, sedation will be given at this time. Contrast may also be given at this time, if needed. The pictures will take few minutes. During the scan, the table will move slowly into a large ring-shaped wide bore machine.

If your child cannot hold still, sedation will be given at this time. Contrast may also be given at this time, if needed. The pictures will take few minutes. During the scan, the table will move slowly into a large ring-shaped machine.

Who performs the exam?
The CT technician, the radiology nurse and the radiologist perform the exam.

Who looks at the results?
The radiologist (usually a Professor) will view all the pictures and then write a complete report.

Is there any risk from the radiation?
As with any X-ray, radiation is a risk. How­ever, CT scans helps collecting a maximum of information with the smallest amount of radiation.

What happens after the CTscan?
The technician or nurse will provide you with any special instructions you need and tell you when you may leave.

How should I prepare my child?
Infants:
Although you cannot explain the exam to your baby, you can help your baby feel more secure during the test by bringing a special blanket, toy or pacifier. Please bring along a bottle of juice or formula to feed your baby when the test is done.

Toddlers and preschool-age children:
Young children remember things for only a short time, so the best time to talk about the test is right before you are ready to come to the hospital. Tell your child that you are going to the hospital to have some "pictures" taken that the doctor needs to help him/her. Try to use simple words

School-age children:
School-age chil­dren have a strong imagination. If you don't tell them the truth about what is going to happen during the test, they might imagine something much worse than the actual test.
The day of the test, tell your child that he will be going to the hospital to have some pictures taken of the inside of his body. Tell him the pictures will help the doctor decide how to make him better. Use simple words. Be honest. Try to tell your child exactly what will happen. If your child's examination is going to hurt a little, be sure to tell him it's okay to cry. When you come to the center, bring along a favorite book or game. If you wish, you may also bring along a snack for after the test.

If there is a chance the parent (mother) is pregnant, we ask her not attend in the CT exam room, even when wearing a lead apron. If there the patient is pregnant, she should inform us before the exam, so that the radiol­ogist can contact her doctor, and ask about possibility of performing examination.