Computed tomography (or a CT scan) is a medical imaging procedure that uses x-rays and digital technology to create cross-section images of the body. It can make an image of every type of body structure at once. CT images provide greater detail than traditional x-rays, particularly of soft tissue and blood vessels. The CT scanner looks like a large doughnut and has a flat table that passes through the middle. You will be asked to lie on the table and will be moved through the opening in the gantry. At IQ Radiology we have dose reduction software on all of our CT scanners to ensure the radiation dose is kept to a minimum.
CT imaging is often used for Dental Imaging, Cardiac Imaging, Colonoscopies and Interventional Pain Management treatments. Dental Imaging services include Dental CT, Dentascan and Cone Beam CT. For heart disease, Cardiac CT and CT Coronary Angiograms are services provided through our IQ network.
Our reception staff will advise you at the time of booking of the exact requirements, depending on your procedure. Scans with contrast require a fast for two hours and you will need to drink 2L of water prior to the scan.
You will be asked to fill in a questionnaire upon arrival. In some instances, you will also need to change into a gown. You will be asked to lie on the table and our Radiographer will position you for the scan. The Radiographer then moves into the next room to a control console, but they can talk and listen to you via a microphone and can see the whole procedure through a window.
Sometimes you will need an injection of a special dye (called contrast) which helps the Radiologist to visualise vessels and internal organs in certain cases. The radiographer performing the examination will go through the steps with you before the scan. Please tell the staff if you have had any form of reaction to the contrast before.
The actual scan usually takes only a matter of seconds. However, the examination can take between 10 and 20 minutes to complete – this includes the radiographer explaining what is going to happen, positioning on the table and setting up for the contrast injection (if that is required).
This is a specialised CT scan of the teeth using special computer software. It allows assessment and position of impacted teeth prior to any possible surgery. It also provides assessment for dental implants allowing the specialist to accurately plan and measure the exact position of the implant. There is no preparation needed for this scan. Any doctor, dentist or orthodontist may refer a patient for a CT Dentascan, however, Medicare will only provide a rebate for scans referred by a specialist doctor or orthodontist.
A CT virtual colonoscopy is an examination of the large bowel. You will be asked to prepare for this scan in a similar way to preparing for a colonoscopy. You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scan to complete all necessary paperwork. When that is done, the Radiographer will take you through for your scan and explain the procedure thoroughly to you. You will then be asked to change into a gown. You will need to remove any jewellery from the area being scanned. In most cases you will be given an injection of a medication called Buscopan, which will help the bowel relax, allowing for better images to be attained. The scan itself takes only a few seconds but the whole procedure of getting ready takes 15-20 minutes. Your Doctor will receive a report within 48 hours.
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings will you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
The images obtained during the examination are provided to one of our Radiologists who interprets these and provides a written report to your doctor or healthcare provider.
Deception Bay
Deception Bay Market Square, Cnr Deception Bay Road & Bay Avenue, Deception Bay Qld 4508
*Some services are provided at other practices in our IQ network.
Most Medicare eligible examinations are bulk billed. Fees may apply for some procedures. Our friendly reception staff will advise you on the cost of your procedure at the time of your booking.
This is a relatively new technique, which is used to assess the jaws and teeth. Its main advantage compared to OPGs and other dental x-rays is that it provides three-dimensional imaging (similar to conventional CT), but with a lower radiation dose. The procedure is similar to having an OPG. You will be asked to stand with your chin resting on a small support shelf to provide accurate positioning. The scanner will move around your head in approximately 15 seconds and from this speed, three-dimensional image reconstructions will be created. Our dental radiologist will then send a detailed report to your referring doctor. All the image data will also be provided on a disc to you for the dentist or specialist who referred you. This data can be used with other software, for example, for implant planning.
This is a non-invasive imaging study used to evaluate the coronary arteries. As you will be having an injection of the x-ray contrast, you will be asked to have no food for 2 hours before but you may keep drinking water. It is good to have a slow and steady heart rate for this scan, so you will be asked to not smoke, consume any caffeine (this includes tea, coffee, sports/energy drinks, Coca cola, chocolate etc.), take any Viagra, Chialis or Levitra, or exercise for 24 hours prior to the scan.
You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scan to complete all necessary paperwork. When that is done, our cardiac nurse will take you through to check your blood pressure and heart rate. As we need a low steady heart rate for the scan, sometimes it is necessary to give you a medication called metropolol and our Radiologist will discuss this with you. If we give you some metropolol, it takes up to an hour to take effect. When your heart is slow enough to do the scan, the Radiographer will take you through for your scan. You will need to remove any jewellery from the area being scanned. You will need to lie on the CT table and the radiographer will put a cannula in your arm for the x-ray contrast and connect you to an ECG. The scan is triggered a certain point in your heartbeat to help get better pictures.
When the scan is all finished you will be able to get changed and have a tea or coffee. If you have been given some metropolol, you will need to wait for approximately 30 minutes before you are allowed to leave. The scan itself takes only a few seconds but the whole procedure of getting ready takes 15-20 minutes. Your Doctor will receive a report within 48 hours.