Longhorn Imaging CT Scans

At Longhorn Imaging Center, we pride ourselves on compassion and excellence in care with every medical diagnostic service we provide. Our high-caliber staff will ensure that your visit with us is on time and that you are completely comfortable during your diagnostic test.

Longhorn Imaging Center is locally owned and operated. We have locations throughout central Texas, including North, Central, and South Austin, Cedar Park, and Killeen.

Contact us today at 512-444-8900 to schedule your CT scan.

What is a CT (Computerized Tomography) Scan?

A CT scan is a computerized scan that takes cross-sectional images from different angles to collect X-ray images of bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels in your body, which are then translated into 3D images.

CT scans typically occur after regular X-rays and before MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging). They give more detail than regular X-rays, and they are less sensitive to a patient’s movement than MRI’s are. They also take less time than MRIs and do not involve a magnetic field for imaging.

Why is a CT Scan Done?

• For more detailed information than a regular X-ray shows.
• Because you’re unable to have an MRI:
  • You may not be able to lay still comfortably for an MRI.
  • You are unable to get an MRI because of an implanted medical device or any other issues that prohibit you from having an MRI.
• To determine what type of stroke you may have had.
• To diagnose muscle and bone disorders.
• To determine the location of a blood clot, tumor, or infection.
• To guide specific surgical procedures.
• To detect and monitor cancer, lung, heart, and liver diseases.
• To monitor the effectiveness of medical treatments in cases such as cancer.
• To detect internal bleeding or injuries from trauma and/or unexplained pain.

How Do I Prepare for a CT Scan?

• CT Scan without contrast
  • Notify us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
  • You may eat, drink, and take your regular medications as prescribed with a small sip of water.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal or jewelry that may interfere with the scan images.
• CT Scan with contrast (a substance may be taken by mouth or injection via IV that will enable the organ or tissue being studied to be seen more clearly).
  • Come to your appointment an hour early to have the time to drink the contrast or to have it administered by IV.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing without metal or jewelry that may interfere with the scan images.
  • Notify us if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
  • Notify us if you have ever had an allergic reaction to X-ray dye or if you are allergic to iodine.
  • Don’t eat or drink anything approximately three hours before the exam.
  • Take your regular medications as prescribed.
  • If you have diabetes, eat a light meal about three hours before your scan. You may be asked to discontinue some of your diabetic medications up to 48 hours after the CT scan.

What Happens During a CT Scan?

• You may be asked to put on a hospital gown that we will supply.
• You will lie on your back in a bed that will pass through the scanner.
• The doughnut-shaped scanner will rotate around the part of your body being scanned. Unlike an MRI, you should not feel claustrophobic.
• The radiographer will move to another room, but you will still be able to communicate back and forth with them.
• You will be asked to lie still during the scan to avoid blurry imaging.
• You may be asked to hold your breath for brief periods during the scan.
• The scan may take 10-30 minutes.

What Happens After a CT Scan?

• If you had a scan with contrast, you might be asked to stay at our facility for about an hour to make sure you don’t have a reaction to the contrast dye. The dye is usually harmless and will pass through your system in your urine.
• You may leave and resume normal activities.
• The computer will process the images of the scan.
• After analyzing the digital images, the radiologist will write and send a report to the ordering physician. The process may take a few days to a week.
• Your doctor will discuss the results of the scan with you.

We are committed to making you feel at ease during your CT scan. If you have any questions or need to make an appointment, please call us today at 512-444-8900.