The introduction of CT scans in 1982 revolutionized non-invasive diagnostics by providing clear images of bone, organs, blood vessels and soft tissue. Today multi-slice CT enables radiologists to view anatomy in “3D.”

CT Exams at TRA

When you have a CT exam at TRA you can expect competent, personal care every step of the way. Before the exam, a CT technologist will review your medical and allergy history and answer any questions you may have. He or she will keep you informed throughout your appointment and assist you with any needs.
Find TRA locations for CT

What is CT and How Does It Work?
CT (computed tomography) uses highly sophisticated x-ray equipment and computer processing to obtain detailed images from different angles around the body.

CT imaging can show several types of tissue—lung, bone, soft tissue and blood vessels—with great clarity. With multi-slice scanning technology and medical expertise to create and interpret CT scans, TRA’s board certified radiologists can more easily diagnose trauma and musculoskeletal disorders, infectious disease, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

What to Expect During a CT Exam
A CT scan is painless, but it will require that you are able to lie still for up to five minutes. Some CT exams may require you to drink a flavored oral contrast, while other CT exams involve an intravenous (IV) contrast injection.

For the exam, you will lie on a comfortable scanning bed. Although the actual scans are very fast, you will spend between 10 and 30 minutes on the scanning bed, depending on the type and number of exams you will have. While most patients lie on their backs, your position may vary depending on the type of CT exam you are having.

How to Prepare for a CT Exam
Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You may be asked to change into a gown to avoid possible interference from any metal in your clothing. Some CT exams may have specific requirements.
If your CT scan requires that you receive IV contrast, please do not eat or drink four (4) hours prior to your exam. Please note the contrast may make you feel warm or create a metallic taste in your mouth for a few moments. If you will be having IV contrast, please do not eat or drink four (4) hours prior to your exam. If your exam requires oral contrast please drink the contrast one (1) hour before your appointment time (not your check-in time), either at the TRA office or at home. If you prefer to drink the contrast at home before you travel to your appointment, you can pick up oral contrast in advance at TRA Medical Imaging’s Tacoma, Olympia, Gig Harbor, or Lakewood offices. Depending upon your age and health history, you may be asked to have your BUN and creatinine levels checked at your physician’s office, a lab, or at TRA before a CT exam using intravenous (IV) contrast.

For all CT scan exams, it’s very important to let the technologist know of any of the following:
- If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant
- If you are allergic to latex, iodine or any medications
- If you have had previous reactions to contrast
- If you have kidney disease or renal failure
- If you are diabetic and what medication you take
- If you ate or drank before the test

Types of CT Scans

CT of the head, neck, or eye
CT of the head, neck or eye is frequently used to evaluate abnormalities following traumatic head injury.
- IV contrast may be used during your exam. Please follow IV contrast preparation under “How to Prepare for an Exam” above.

CT of the sinuses
CT of the sinuses is used to evaluate congestion or blockages within the sinus cavities.
- No prep is usually required.

CT of the chest
CT of the chest produces images of the lungs, bronchi, esophagus, and midline chest structures, including the ascending aorta, superior vena cava and diaphragm.
- IV contrast may be used in during your exam. Please follow IV contrast preparation under “How to Prepare for an Exam” above.

CT of the abdomen
CT of the abdomen produces images of the liver, pancreas, spleen, aorta, vena cava vessels, kidneys and retroperitoneal area.
- IV or oral contrast may be used during your exam. Please follow IV or oral contrast preparation under “How to Prepare for an Exam” above.

CT of the pelvis (soft tissue)
Pelvic CT images include the prostate, uterus, ovaries and bladder.
- IV or oral contrast may be used during your exam. Please follow IV or oral contrast preparation under “How to Prepare for an Exam” above.

CT of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine
CT of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine is used to evaluate spinal stenosis, disc herniation and degenerative disc disease.
- No prep is usually required.

CT of the upper and lower extremities
CT of the upper and lower extremities may be used to evaluate fractures, soft tissue masses or to detect metastatic bone tumors.
- IV contrast may be used in during your exam. Please follow IV contrast preparation under “How to Prepare for an Exam” above.

CT angiogram (CTA)
CT angiogram (CTA) can be used to obtain detailed images of vessels in the brain, kidneys, pelvis, legs, lungs, heart, neck and abdomen. A CTA can help diagnose a narrowing or obstruction of the arteries, an aneurysm, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or other vascular conditions.
- IV contrast may be used in during your exam. Please follow IV contrast preparation under “How to Prepare for an Exam” above.

CT enterography
CT enterography produces images of the small bowel to help with the evaluation of Crohn’s disease.
- Please do not eat or drink four hours prior to you exam. You will need to arrive one hour prior to your appointment and a technologist will administer contrast for you to drink. Please be aware that after the exam you may experience a significant bowel movement.

CT colonography
CT colonography uses CT scanning to obtain an interior view of the colon (the large intestine) in the event of a failed colonoscopy, known blockage or hemorrhage in the large intestine.
- A TRA nurse will contact you with prep instructions for this exam.

The introduction of CT scans in 1982 revolutionized non-invasive diagnostics by providing clear images of bone, organs, blood vessels and soft tissue. Today multi-slice CT enables radiologists to view anatomy in “3D.”

CT Exams at TRA

Types of CT Scans