169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905
Phone: (607) 798-5225

Computed Axial Tomography ("CAT" or "CT") is a way of looking at the inside of your body. The images produced are cross-sectional - patterned much like slices of bread. By taking a series of such images, a CAT scan can create a multidimensional view of the body.

The main feature of the CAT scanner is a large "ring". As the patient passes through the ring, the x-ray tube rotates around the patient 360° and takes a "picture" or "slice". After many such "slices," the computer has enough information to combine various segments of the pictures and create views of the internal organs of the body. These images are projected onto a computer screen, reviewed by the technologist and permanently archived into a database.  Images may be brought forward at any time for further comparisons.

Lourdes CT Department is home to two Philips Brilliance 64-slice scanners. These new scanners combine unrivaled image quality with remarkable speed. They also allow doctors to reconstruct three-dimensional views, rather than examining individual slices, as with older scanners. The scanners, which have four times as many detectors as a typical multi-detector CT scanner, can produce detailed pictures of any organ in a few seconds and provide sharp, clear images in an instant.

Special features of the 64-slice scanners include:

  • Healthy Heart scans
  • Coronary artery angiography
  • Head-to-toe vessel analysis
  • Virtual Colonoscopy
  • Orthopedic 3-D reconstruction
  • Urography

CAT scans of the body and head can be used to diagnose a wide variety of medical conditions.

  • You must have a signed order from your physician to have any study within Diagnostic Imaging. 
  • If someone accompanies you, there is a waiting room for visitors in the Diagnostic Imaging Department.
  • If you are pre-registered for your exam, please report directly to the Diagnostic Imaging Department, located on the main floor of the hospital, at your scheduled time.
  • If you are not pre-registered, please report to Registration, on the ground floor near the Ozanam entrance, 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
  • If you have questions or are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, call Central Scheduling at (607) 798-5723.

What to Expect

  • If you are claustrophobic, speak with your technologist.  He/she will do a "test run" at any time prior to your study.
  • To assist in the scan, very often an "IV contrast agent" is used. This agent contains iodine, which x-rays cannot penetrate. By injecting the agent into the body, the radiologist can better see organs and structures that might not be seen otherwise.
  • Depending on what part of your body is being studied, you may also be asked to drink oral contrast called ReadiCat. You will be instructed to report to Radiology 1 ½ hours prior to your scanning appointment to drink the ReadiCat. The contrast opacifies the GI Tract and will aide the radiologist with the diagnosis.
  • You may also swallow "effervescent granules," a substance that will build up air in your stomach.
  • You will be asked to remove jewelry (please leave valuables at home), dentures or metal objects that might interfere with your scan.
  • You will be taken to a room that contains the CT scanner. Some patients are surprised by the size of the machine, however, it does not cause pain and does not touch you.
  • You will be asked to lie down on a moveable table. You will be positioned so that the part of your body to be examined lies in the middle of the scanner ring.
  • If clinically indicated, an IV will be started by qualified personnel prior to your procedure.
  • You'll be left alone in the room, but a technologist will keep in close contact with you via an intercom and/or watch you through a glass window.
  • As the procedure begins, the table will start to move. It will slide you a short distance every few seconds, moving you through the ring and stopping so that a new "slice" can be imaged. The technologist may ask you to hold your breath each time a new picture is taken. Keep absolutely still, so you don't blur the picture and have to repeat the process.
  • If a contrast is being used, a preliminary set of scans may be done before the agent is introduced. Depending on the part of your body being studied, the agent may be given by mouth, injection into a vein, or by enema. The scans will be repeated after the contrast has been injected.
  • Procedures vary in time from 2 to 30 minutes.  Allow 2 hours for exams that require oral contrast such as with the abdomen and/or pelvis.

Getting the Results

After your study is completed, the radiologist will study your examination and give a report to your doctor. Contact your physician to discuss the results.

For more information call the Lourdes Diagnostic Imaging Center at (607) 798-5225.

Lourdes Hospital, Binghamton, NY