A CT scan is a type of x-ray. Before radiation treatment, you will have a CT scan in Radiation Oncology. This scan helps us plan your treatment. Read this handout to learn more about the test.
Locations
University Hospital
Directions: Register in Town Square near the clinic entrance. Then take the K or WIMR elevator to the basement. Follow the signs to the Radiation Oncology front desk.
Eastpark Medical Center
Directions: Check in at the Radiation Oncology desk on the first floor. Guest Services staff can help you find your way.
Before the Scan
We will review your health record and ask about prior scans, allergies, and medicines.
Blood Tests
You may need a creatinine blood test before the CT scan. This blood test checks how well your kidneys are working.
IV Contrast
You may need IV contrast for the CT scan. If so, a nurse will place a small IV in your arm or hand. IV contrast is a clear liquid injected through an IV during the scan. As it moves through your bloodstream, it highlights blood vessels and organs. You may feel warm or notice a strange taste in your mouth. These effects are normal and only last a few seconds.
If you have an allergy to IV contrast, dye, or iodine, tell the nurse or therapist when you arrive. I In most cases, a PICC line or Port-a-Cath cannot be used for IV contrast. This is because the contrast is injected quickly under high pressure, which can damage the device. Some ports, such as Power Ports, can be used for IV contrast.
Pregnancy/Breast Feeding
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell us before the scan. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test.
If you are nursing or breast/chest feeding, do not feed your child breast milk for 24 hours after receiving IV contrast. Pump and discard breast milk during this time.
Small or Enclosed Spaces
Tell us if you have trouble being in small or enclosed spaces. We can give you medicine to help you relax. If you take this medicine, someone will need to drive you home. Do not drive or operate heavy equipment for 24 hours after taking this medicine.
Diabetes Medicine
You must call the doctor who prescribes this medicine to see if you need to stop or adjust your medicine before your test. That doctor will tell you how to safely do this.
If your doctor tells you not to stop your medicine, please call the clinic.
Clothing
Wear clothing with loose sleeves. You may need to remove some clothing before the scan. You may also need to remove clothing that contains metal, such as jeans or underwire bras. We will give you a gown and robe if needed.
Medicine
You may take your daily medicines with a sip of water.
During the Scan
The appointment takes about 30-60 minutes. Most of this time is used putting you in the correct position. The scan itself takes only a few minutes.
You will be alone in the room during the scan. We will be able to see you through a window and hear you through a speaker.
You will lie on a narrow table. The table moves in and out of the scanner opening.
You will need to lie still during the scan. At times, we may ask you to take a deep breath and hold it.
The scan should not be painful. If you need anything or have a problem during the scan, let us know right away.
We will remove your IV after the scan.
Going Home
Drink 2 quarts of fluid over the next 24 hours. Avoid drinks with caffeine. These fluids help flush the contrast from your body. Tell us if you have trouble drinking fluids.
Follow Up
Your doctor and physics team will review the images and plan your radiation treatments. This process takes several days.
You will receive a call with the date and time of your first treatment. On your first treatment day, plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
Who to Call
Please call if you have any questions or concerns. The phone number for the Radiation Oncology Clinic is (608) 915-1200. If you live outside of the Madison area, call 1-800-323-8942. If the clinic is closed, your call will be transferred to our answering service. Ask to speak to the radiation oncology doctor on call. The doctor will call you back.