CT (Photon-Counting CT)

Services

CT (Photon-Counting CT)

MRI

Ultrasound

X-Ray

Nuclear Medicine

PET

Breast Imaging

Bone Density (DEXA)

Image-Guided Procedures

What is a CT scan?

Computed tomography (CT) scanners use special X-ray equipment to produce detailed images of the inside of your body by using a very small dose of radiation which passes through your body and is received by a detector. It is used to diagnose and monitor countless medical conditions all over the body, including your brain, spine, chest and abdomen.

Preparing for your CT scan

Some CT scans will require you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand. We will notify you when you make your booking.

If you have a known mild allergy to contrast dye, your referring doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risks of an allergic reaction.

During your CT scan

You may be asked to remove metal items such as belt buckles and jewellery, and you may be requested to change into a gown to make sure your clothing doesn’t interfere with the scan. If your CT scan requires contrast dye, then a technologist or doctor will insert an intravenous line into a vein in your hand or arm which will be used to inject the contrast. During the injection you may notice a brief sensation of warmth and a metallic taste. You will lie on a padded bed that slides into the scanner. You will be requested to remain still for a few seconds while the scan is being performed.

CT scans are quick, quiet and painless. The CT scanner is only partially enclosed which means it is uncommon for patients to feel claustrophobic. If your scan required contrast, the technologist will remove your intravenous line and apply a small dressing. Your appointment typically takes less than 20 minutes.

After your CT scan

In most cases you may return to usual activities and normal diet immediately after your scan.

Your scan will be reported by a radiologist with expertise in CT. You can expect the results of your scan to be available to your referring doctor within 24 hours of your scan.

Risks and side effects

There are no immediate risks or side effects from being scanned. The use of contrast dye may rarely cause nausea, vomiting, itching and dizziness. More serious reactions are extremely rare. Our doctors and technologist are always available and well-equipped to deal with such reactions.

There is a very small amount of radiation associated with all CT scans. We use cutting-edge photon-counting technology and dose control methods that significantly reduces radiation dose compared to standard CT scans.

Frequently Asked Questions

I have been referred for a CT. Is that the same as a photon-counting CT scan?

Yes, but with added benefits. Our photon-counting CT provides all the information that a standard CT scan provides but with the additional benefit of ultra-high resolution and with significantly reduced radiation dose.

Can I use my standard CT referrals for a photon-counting CT scan?

Yes. We accept all CT referrals, including those printed on other radiology provider’s forms.

Is a CT scan safe?

Yes. A benefit of our photon-counting CT scanner it that it performs examinations with a fraction of the radiation dose compared to standard CT machines, without compromising image quality.

Do I need to fast before a CT scan?

Some CT scans will require you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand. We will notify you when you make your booking.

Will I receive contrast dye?

Some CT scans benefit from the added detail that contrast material provides. You will be notified at the time of your booking whether this applies to your scan. A benefit of our photon-counting CT scanner it that it can perform scans with significantly less doses of contrast dye compared to standard CT machines, without compromising image quality and significantly reducing radiation dose. This is particularly useful for patients with kidney disease who may need to limit doses of contrast.

When will I receive my results?

Results are typically sent to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will be immediately notified of urgent results.

What if I have claustrophobia or I am anxious about my scan?

It is uncommon for patients to feel claustrophobic during a CT scan. The short donut-shaped tunnel design is much less enclosed than an MRI scanner. If you believe you may benefit from it, you may want to ask your referring doctor for a mild sedative prior to the scan appointment.

Our understanding staff are experienced in supporting patients with a broad range of needs and will prioritise your comfort during your scan. A benefit of our photon-counting CT scanner it that it performs examinations in a fraction of the time compared to standard CT machines, without compromising image quality and significantly reducing radiation doses.

Why choose Atlas Medical Imaging for my CT scan?

We prioritise patient safety and enhanced diagnostic precision. Our highly-trained technologists use Canberra’s first and only ultra-high-resolution photon-counting CT scanner which performs scans with markedly reduced radiation doses compared to standard CT scanners while providing unmatched diagnostic quality and rapid scan times. Every scan is interpreted by a radiologist with specific expertise in CT scans of the part of the body being scanned, which provides accurate results to support you and your doctor to optimise your healthcare.

CT (Photon-Counting CT)

Services

What is a CT scan?

Preparing for your CT scan

Some CT scans will require you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand. We will notify you when you make your booking.

If you have a known mild allergy to contrast dye, your referring doctor may prescribe medications to reduce the risks of an allergic reaction.

During your CT scan

After your CT scan

In most cases you may return to usual activities and normal diet immediately after your scan.

Your scan will be reported by a radiologist with expertise in CT. You can expect the results of your scan to be available to your referring doctor within 24 hours of your scan.

Risks and side effects

There are no immediate risks or side effects from being scanned. The use of contrast dye may rarely cause nausea, vomiting, itching and dizziness. More serious reactions are extremely rare. Our doctors and technologist are always available and well-equipped to deal with such reactions.

There is a very small amount of radiation associated with all CT scans. We use cutting-edge photon-counting technology and dose control methods that significantly reduces radiation dose compared to standard CT scans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but with added benefits. Our photon-counting CT provides all the information that a standard CT scan provides but with the additional benefit of ultra-high resolution and with significantly reduced radiation dose.

Yes. We accept all CT referrals, including those printed on other radiology provider’s forms.

Yes. A benefit of our photon-counting CT scanner it that it performs examinations with a fraction of the radiation dose compared to standard CT machines, without compromising image quality.

Some CT scans will require you not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand. We will notify you when you make your booking.

Results are typically sent to your doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will be immediately notified of urgent results.

It is uncommon for patients to feel claustrophobic during a CT scan. The short donut-shaped tunnel design is much less enclosed than an MRI scanner. If you believe you may benefit from it, you may want to ask your referring doctor for a mild sedative prior to the scan appointment.

Book your next appointment with Atlas Medical Imaging

Book your next appointment with
Atlas Medical Imaging