What is Computed Tomography (CT) and How does it work?

Computed Tomography is a special kind of x-ray that can produce pictrues by a cross section of the body. A computer makes a picture of a slice or section of the body. The CT scanner has a large donut-shaped ring that your body passes through on a moveable table. As you are passing through the ring, the scanner takes a complete 360 degree picture of you that is sent to the computer.To make a clearer picture of certain parts of your body, some CT scans require the use of contrast materials, which are substances showing up as pure white on the X-ray. Two types of contrast materials used are barium, which you usually drink, and iodine, which is usually injected by means of an I.V.(intravenous line).

What Happens if You Have an Allergic Reaction to the Contrast?

Some CT exams requires constrast, or x-ray dye. The use of contrast or x-ray dye is common and considered to be of low risk.
Infrequently, there are reactions to this medication, which may include hives, rash, itching, sneezing, and stuffy nose. In rare instances more signifigant reactions may occur; such as wheezing or shock (low blood pressure). We have the necessary medications to treat such reactions should they occur. In extremely rare cases (1 in 40,000) when these conditions do not respond to all of the appropriate medications, death can occur.