Neck CT

Neck CT is a diagnostic scan of the bones in the neck and also the surrounding tissues. Contrast may need to be given depending on the area of interest.

• Foreign objects in the throat,
• Suspected cervical lymph nodes,
• Lymphoma,
• Abscesses,
• Inflammation,
• Thyroid goitre,
• Cancer staging,
• Tumours,
• Masses of the salivary glands.

You will need to ring the department to enquire about your individual preparation requirements for your planned examination. A CT of the neck may or may not require the injection of intravenous contrast. Depending on the reason for you having the scan as to whether you will require contrast.

If intravenous contrast is required for your examination then follow the instructions below:

• You may be required to fast prior to your appointment time so ensure you check with the staff when making an appointment.

• Take all medications with sips of water (unless otherwise instructed), including blood pressure medications.

• A recent blood test will need to be completed to assess the function of your kidneys prior to your appointment. If your blood test was taken outside the hospital then you will need to obtain a copy of the results and bring it to your examination.

It is important to inform a member of staff as soon as possible if you are pregnant BEFORE the test is performed. The examination may not be appropriate or special considerations or precautions might need to be taken. If you suspect you could be pregnant then a pregnancy test will need to be performed prior to the commencement of the examination.

For safety reasons there cannot be anyone in the room during the scanning of a CT and relatives must wait outside. A staff member will be behind the glass window a short distance away watching the patient at all times during the scan should there be any concerns.

There will paperwork such as a questionnaire and consent form which you will be required to fill in upon arrival to the department. Children under the age of 16 will require consent from a guardian.

You'll need to remove any clothes, jewellery or other objects that may interfere with the procedure such as earrings , hair clips. You will also need to remove any dentures and glasses before the examination.

If you require an interpreter, please inform the booking clerk at the time of booking.

If you require intravenous contrast then a cannula (needle) will need to be inserted in your arm by the nurses upon arrival. The contrast will highlight the blood vessels allowing us to see the blood flow.

If your examination does not require intravenous contrast then a cannula will not be inserted.

You will be asked to lie on the CT examination bed with your head positioned in a special headrest. A strap will loosely secure your head and neck straight and in position for the scan. This will help you to maintain in the correct position.

The CT examination bed will move in and out of the CT scanner multiple times as the image acquired. Once the images are obtained then the examination is complete.

If IV contrast was required for your examination then the cannula will be removed from your arm prior to leaving the radiology department.

If your examination did not require the injection of contrast then you will be helped off the table and able to go home straight away.

If you have had an examination with intravenous contrast then it is important to help flush the contrast out of your body by drinking plenty of fluids after the scan.

If you are currently taking oral hypoglycaemic such as Metformin, Diabex or Janumet for diabetes and have had the injection on contrast then it is advised to stop this medication for 48hrs after your scan. This is to prevent a build up of this medication in your system.

NOTE: this only applies if you have had an injection of contrast.  If you are unsure if this applies to you then please bring a list of medications to your appointment so we can advise you.

A specialised doctor will carefully analyse your images and make a report to your referring doctor. If the referring doctor is in the hospital they will be able to access the results on the computer. If you are an out-patient then a disc of images can be made available to you within 5 working days after the CT scan.

• Fasted (no food or drink) for 4hrs
  
  
• I have had a recent blood test.
  
  
• Removed all Jewellery and metal objects.
  
  

Don't forget to bring these along to your appointment

• Referral/request form from your doctor
  
  
• Medicare / Pension card
  
  
• Previous films and report