CT procedures are available at the main hospital campus in northwest Detroit and at Rose Imaging Center in Farmington Hills. For an appointment at Rose Imaging Center, call 248-932-3622. For an appointment at DMC Sinai-Grace hospital, call 313-966-4800.

How is the CT scan performed?

A CT scan is completely painless for most patients. The DMC Sinai-Grace CT suite offers maximum patient comfort and our technologists will help ensure that you have a pleasant experience.

Exams are conducted with the patient lying on a narrow table, which will move through the large, tube-shaped CT scanner.

The technologist will leave the room during the examination, but will be able to hear, see and talk to you throughout the procedure. You will be given a call bell device to let the staff know if you need anything during the procedure. Speakers are located inside the scanner so you can hear instructions from the CT staff and they can hear you respond.

We also offer you a choice of various musical styles to listen to during the exam, which many patients find relaxing.

You may have an intravenous (IV) line for contrast medication. The contrast medication may be injected prior to the procedure or during the procedure.

Once the procedure begins, you will need to remain very still at all times. Movement can adversely affect the quality of the images. At intervals, you will be instructed to hold your breath, if possible, for a few seconds.

If the CT scan is being done with contrast, you will receive contrast medication through an IV about halfway through the procedure. You may feel warm or flushed just after the dye goes into the vein, this is a normal feeling and it will go away shortly.

Once the procedure is finished, the table will slide out of the scanner. You may be asked to wait for a short time while the radiologist reviews the scans to make sure they are clear and complete. If the scans are not sufficient to obtain adequate information, additional scanning may be done.

The test normally takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes.

What is the preparation for a CT scan?

If your physician schedules a CT scan of the heart or chest and decides to use contrast dye, you may be instructed not to eat or drink for four hours prior to the procedure. You will receive instructions about this from your physician or another healthcare professional.

The contrast dye occasionally causes side effects that include hives, nausea and allergic reactions ranging from mild to severe. If you have a history of multiple allergies or allergic reactions, you should take your medication before your examination to help reduce the possibility of side effects.

If your physician has not provided you with medication in advance, we will instruct you on how to obtain a premedication packet before your scheduled appointment. Please check with your physician or call DMC Sinai-Grace at 313-966-1450 or Rose Imaging Center at 248-932-3200.

Contrast Drink

Most CT abdomen and pelvis examinations require that you drink a contrast liquid prior to the scan. If this is necessary for your exam, your physician will provide instructions. You will need to arrive early the day of the exam to drink the contrast. You can also pick up a contrast prep packet in advance from the DMC Sinai-Grace location where you have scheduled your appointment. The staff will give you specific instructions at that time.

The Day of the Exam

The exam should take about one hour. Please arrive promptly at your appointment time. We allow for 30 minutes of preparation before the actual scan begins.

Remember to bring:

• Insurance card(s)
• Referral or authorization forms
• Picture identification
• Prescription from your doctor
• A list of any medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins or herbal supplements
• Films that may pertain to your condition taken at an earlier date or at another facility