Many patients are worried about the risks of CT scans since hearing that some form of radiation is used to capture images of particular body parts can make them worry about their well-being. That’s why it’s important to inform your patients that CT scans emit a small amount of radiation and ensure that they are safe from risks like cancer.
It’s also critical to let your patients know that the benefits of getting a CT scan outweigh the risks. And if your patient suffers from muscle and bone disorders, the best way to diagnose these issues is by running through a CT exam.
For this reason, you must ensure the safety of your patients in the first place by installing high-quality diagnostic imaging equipment for your lab. And if you’re using a refurbished CT scanner, ensure that its parts are from a reputable source, like DirectMed Parts.
In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about preparation for a muscle and bone CT scan, what your patients can expect, and some risks involved. Let’s get to it!
Preparing a Patient for a Muscle and Bone CT Scan
- Ensure you’re aware of all medical information regarding the patient, including allergies, recent illnesses, medications, and other medical conditions before going through the exam;
- After knowing their medical information, ask them to change into a hospital gown before the CT scan. This way, the patient can remove all their jewelry, metal accessories, and other pieces of clothing that could be risky to wear during the scan;
- If your patient needs to drink a contrast agent, ensure that they do not drink or eat anything hours before the scan;
- It’s normal for a patient to feel nervous before the scan, so ensure that you talk them through the whole procedure to know what to expect.
What Can a Patient Expect During the Exam?
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Enter the Exam Room
After asking your patient to change into a hospital gown or medical scrubs, ensure that they have no jewelry or personal belongings on them. After that, your technologist will guide your patient to the room, explain the procedure and ask medical questions about their condition.
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Lie on the CT Scan Table
After a brief medical examination, your patient will be asked to lie on the CT scan table. While doing this, the technologist can help arrange the pillows and straps to ensure that your patient is comfortable throughout the exam.
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Receiving the Contrast
If your patient needs to receive a contrast agent, they’ll be asked to drink a flavored mixture before the exam. This contrast agent will help highlight certain parts in the body so you can see the muscles and tissues of your patient clearly, giving you a better diagnosis for muscle and bone disorders.
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Get the Scan
Once everything is in place, the technologist will move to another room where they can control the CT scanner. During this time, the scan will begin, and you can talk to your patient from the other room to ensure that they feel comfortable during the scan.
The Bottom Line: CT Scanners Are Incredibly Powerful, Allowing You to Give Accurate Diagnosis for Muscle and Bone Disorders
CT scanners are complex and powerful equipment that help medical professionals diagnose patients, allowing them to provide proper treatment and medications. Seeing as it plays a vital role in muscle and bone disorder diagnosis, it’s important to use high-quality CT scanners and purchase CT parts from a reliable source, like DirectMed Parts.
Why Choose DirectMed Parts?
If you’re looking for high-quality CT and MRI parts and coils, you’ve come to the right place.
DirectMed Parts is the leading and most trusted, knowledgeable source for medical imaging parts and services. We offer CT and MRI parts and coils and understand the importance of working with service professionals, providing quick and accurate delivery on-site.
Check out our products today!
