Is it painful to do CT scan?
No. CT scan is not painful.
Is there any alternatives for CT scan?
Yes. Other modalities like ultrasound and MRI can be used.
What can be done to lower radiation dose in CT?
In our hospital we do low radiation dose protocol to reduce radiation dose.
How do I prepare for coronary angiogram?
Patient needs to be on beta blockers 2 days prior to the study and empty stomach for atleast 4 hours before the study. The goal is to keep heart rate around 60 for the coronary angiogram study.
Is there any risks with contrast injection?
Yes. Contrast allergic reaction can occur which can be mild , moderate or severe. Kidney damage due to contrast is another risk. Contrast extravasation and pain can happen.
Is there any risks involved with CT?
Radiation is important risk but relatively low risk considering our earths background radiation.
Are there any contraindications for the CT scan?
Pregnancy is absolute contraindications. Other contraindications includes allergic to drug or contrast if contrast CT is adviced .
How do I prepare for CT scan?
For plain CT scan , no preparation is required. For contrast CT scan we require patient to be nil by mouth (NMB) for 4 hours prior to scheduled scan. Also prior serum creatine is required. If the serum creatine is high then we need nephrologist clearance to do contrast CT scan. Patient can take his routine medications 4 hours prior to the scan.
Why do I need CT?
Depending on the indications which the referring doctor advices we can do CT.
What preparation is required for prostate biopsy?
Patient needs to be empty stomach for 6 hours prior to biopsy. Blood thinners like ecopsirin needs to be stopped 5 days prior to biopsy after consultation with the treating physician. PT, PTT , INR tests needs to be done before the biopsy. Patient has to take enema or laxatives in the night before the ultrasound to clear the bowel. Patient is observed for 4 to 5 hours after biopsy before discharge. Patient has to take antibiotics for 5 days after the procedure.
