CT Scan Imaging Services | Bellingham, WA

Overview | What to Know | What to Expect | After your CT

Computed tomography — more commonly called CT or CAT scan — is an advanced form of X-ray imaging that uses a computer to combine many X-rays into one detailed image to provide information on bones and soft tissues.

What is a CT Scan? How Do CT Scans Work?

As you pass through the ring of the CT scanner, it uses X-rays to take images of your body. A computer reconstructs the data into detailed images via computed tomography. At Bellingham Advanced Medical Imaging, the images are taken on a 64-slice scanner, which means the CT scan procedure and exam is quicker and produces the highest quality images available — even pictures of your heart. Our scanner also comes with advanced technology that automatically minimizes radiation dose.

What you need to know about CT

Wondering what does a CT scan show? The detailed images created by CT can help you and your doctor to develop a much better picture of your injury or disease. Using the layered images, our trained radiologists can see the angles of a fracture or the size and shape of a mass or stone in greater detail.

One of the advantages of CT is how quickly it creates this level of detail. Depending on the type of image your doctor has requested, your imaging may include contrast. This special material is swallowed or delivered to your vein through an IV. The CT machine will identify the contrast, which defines and highlights different structures and any abnormalities.

CT can be used for images of any body part, including bones and joints, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and brain.

No matter which area of your body requires imaging, it’s important that you let Bellingham Advanced Medical Imaging know if:

You have any implants, body piercings, or other metal that might get in the way of your image
You are or might be pregnant
If you have a condition like diabetes that affects your ability to fast before your scan
If your doctor has ordered your CT with contrast, let us know if you have any history of iodine sensitivity or allergy to imaging contrast

What to expect during your CT appointment

As with any medical imaging, please leave your valuables at home, including jewelry. It’s best not to wear jewelry or any other metal during your CT to ensure nothing blocks your image.

We invite you to wear comfortable clothing. If at all possible, we’ll let you stay in your own clothes for your scan.

If your CT includes contrast, you may have to come to Bellingham Advanced Medical Imaging for the contrast a bit ahead of your actual scan. You’re welcome to bring a book or something else to do while you wait.

When it’s time for your CT, you’ll lie down on a table. The CT machine looks like a big donut. During your scan, it may move around you. Most scans are less than sixty seconds.

After your CT

If you had contrast for your exam, it will pass through your system harmlessly over the next day or so. In the meantime, your radiologist will look through your CT image carefully and provide a report with all the findings. That report is sent very shortly to the health care provider who ordered your CT. Your doctor will go over the results with you and help you plan treatment or next steps if necessary.

Please contact our CT team at (360) 255-6330 with any questions or concerns.