River Oaks Imaging and Diagnostic Center is the leading outpatient provider of imaging services in the greater Houston area. Your health, diagnosis and treatment are paramount to us. Throughout your examination, our goal is to provide a comfortable, yet professional atmosphere. Committed to providing the highest quality services, we offer the latest technology to ensure our team of board-certified radiologists produces accurate and timely information to assist your physician with properly identifying and treating your condition.

WHAT IS COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY?

A Computed Tomography (CT) scan is a precise, simple and safe examination that creates a cross-sectional image of a specific anatomical part of the body. A thin beam of x-rays is read and recorded by an electronic detector, then interpreted by a computer. The computer constructs an image based on the data, which is then transferred to the Radiologist digitially.
Contrast media, commonly referred to as "dye", is necessary during certain scans. Contrast media can be given intravenously or orally to assist in viewing a particular area.

IS CT FOR EVERYONE?

Although CT is an effective diagnostic tool, certain medical conditions may exclude its use. Please inform your physician and our clinic personnel at the time of scheduling if the following applies to you:

Prior allergy to iodine, contrast media or shellfish
Diabetes
Kidney problems
Breast feeding or pregnancy

CT PREPARATIONS

On the evening prior to the procedure, you will receive a phone call from our staff confirming your appointment. At this time, you may be informed of any specific instructions. In general, the following preparations should be made:

If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, please inform your physician and our personnel prior to your exam being scheduled.
We request that you arrive thirty minutes prior to your scheduled procedure time to complete paperwork and to change clothes if necessary.
If oral contrast will be used, do not consume food or beverages four hours prior to the procedure.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING THE CT PROCEDURE?

The procedure requires a few basic steps, although some aspects may vary during your test.

Please wear loose-fitting clothes without zippers or snaps; metal objects create artifacts on the images. You may be requested to change into a clinic gown.
The technologist will be in constant communication with you during the procedure through a two-way intercom.
You will lie on a table that is connected to the CT scanner. The area of interest will be positioned in the middle of a large, doughnut-shaped scanner ring or gantry. The gantry is not enclosed; thus claustrophobia usually is not an issue.
Please pay close attention to the instructions given and refrain from any unnecessary movement. Body shifts may cause the images to blur, thus causing portions of the exam to be repeated.
The table will be moving in small increments. You will feel this slight movement and hear a low noise. The noise is due to the gantry rotating around you and is perfectly normal.

HOW LONG WILL THE EXAM TAKE?

The length of the examination will vary from ten minutes to forty-five minutes depending upon the specific procedure requested by your physician. Your cooperation will expedite the exam process.

CT RESULTS

Once your exam is complete, our highly skilled licensed technologists will send the images for a radiologist to evaluate. The radiologist will study your results and produce a report, which then is forwarded to your physician.

FURTHER QUESTIONS

Should you have any questions about your ability to participate in this examination, or if you wish to know more about CT scans, consult your physician or contact our office and we will be happy to assist you.

River Oaks Imaging & Diagnostic is geographically accessible with multiple locations. All facilities offer convenient, extended hours. Please call our scheduling department at (713) 512-6040 to determine which facility will best serve you. We look forward to a partnership with you and your physician, which will promote your health.