What to Expect During Your Examination

Computed Tomography (CT) Examinations

Computed Tomography (CT) screening takes only minutes.

Although you must remove jewelry and any accessories that include metals, such as belts and watches, no special gown or change of clothing is required. However, Crown Valley Imaging provides gowns for those who prefer to wear them during the examination.

The CT scanner is located in a room similar to those you may have seen used in x-ray examinations. In the center of the room, you will see the large circular machine pictured above. The CT technician will ask you to lie down on a table emerging from the center of the machine.

As a clear scan requires that you remain as still as possible, the technician will ask you to remain very still. Also, he or she may ask you to hold your breath for a few seconds.

During the examination, the table on which you are resting will move slowly through the center of the doughnut-shaped tube pictured above while the scanner, which moves within the tube, quickly obtains CT images. In the few seconds it takes for the scanner to rotate in the circular tube, you may notice a humming sound.

MRI Examinations

Magnetic resonance imaging examinations can take thirty minutes or longer, depending on the type of information your physician needs.

Although you must remove jewelry and any accessories that include metals, such as belts and watches, no special gown or change of clothing is required. However, Crown Valley Imaging provides gowns for those who prefer to wear them during the examination.

[SCANNER ]

The MRI scanner is located in a room similar to those you may have seen used in x-ray examinations. In the center of the room, you will see the large circular machine pictured above. The MRI technician will ask you to lie down on a table emerging from the center of the machine.

As a clear scan requires that you remain as still as possible, the technician will ask you to remain very still.

The technologist will position the table so that the area of your body that requires imaging is in the center of the machine. Throughout the exam, the scanner will make thumping noises.

In some cases, patients are given a "contrast agent" to enhance their MRI images. This salt-based agent is given intravenously and has no side effects. However, if you are pregnant, breast feeding or have a history of sickle-cell disease, please inform the technologist before he or she gives you the contrast agent.