Dr. John Niemeyer, Chief of Radiology, demonstrates the Ambient CT scanner. The CT displays soothing images during your exam.

Appointments

CT exams are by appointment by calling (314) 996-5170. Walk-in appointments are welcome as long as insurance precertification is not required.

Common CT Procedures Performed

Missouri Baptist Medical Center provides a full-service Computed Tomography (CT) department offering all types of CT exams, including highly specialized CT Angiography that examines blood vessels in the body.

Before Your CT Scan

CTs of abdomen or pelvis: If your physician orders a CT of your abdomen or pelvis area, oral contrast is required for the exam. The oral contrast will help the radiologist identify your intestinal tissues from surrounding abdominal tissue. This can be done at home or at the hospital. If possible, we recommend that patients prepare for this test in the convenience of their home rather than waiting at the hospital. Home Prep kits are available through the Radiology Department located on the first floor of the hospital or Suite 150D, located in Building D (North Entrance) on the hospital campus.

Patients who are required to drink contrast for the CT scan must not eat or drink anything at least 4 hours prior  to the test.

Patients who are over 70 years of age, have diabetes or poor kidney function, will need a Creatinine level test done prior to any CT using IV contrast. A Creatinine test done within 30 days of the test is suitable. 

What happens during a CT Scan?

In addition to the oral contrast, an iodine contrast is injected into the bloodstream for many CT scans. This contrast is essential for the diagnosis of many diseases. An IV is started during the scan to inject the contrast. Common side effects of the IV contrast are feeling warm and flush for 1-2 minutes and a strong feeling to urinate. Patients who have an allergy to iodine, will need to be pretreated for the test. Please call the CT department for instructions at (314) 996-5184.

The CT machine itself looks like a large donut, which is open on both sides. The patient lies on a long table that moves in and out of the machine to take the pictures. The entire test takes 15-30 minutes, depending on the type of scan being performed. 

What happens after the CT?

Patients required to drink oral contrast are instructed to drink plenty of fluids for 48 hours after their CT to help flush the contrast from their system. Some patients do experience diarrhea after the test due to the amount of fluids consumed. In this case, it is appropriate to take an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medication. The IV contrast that is injected into the bloodstream will be absorbed by your body, generally without side effects.

Results

All Radiology exams are read by a board-certified radiologist, and the results will be sent to your physician’s office within 24 to 48 hours.