CT scan – Computed Tomography

A computed tomography (CT) scan is a computer-assisted X-ray test that uses special equipment to create cross-sectional images and detailed views of the inside of your body. Organs, brain, lungs, tissues, bones and blood vessels may be examined with a CT scan.

The CT scan is a test used to diagnose conditions such as stomach and bowel problems, lung and kidney conditions, stroke and certain types of cancer.

The CT scan is a test provided by the Medical Imaging Department.

How to access our services?

  • You must have a referral from your doctor or another healthcare professional to get an appointment for this test.

How to access medical imaging records through PocketHealth?

About The Program

Before your appointment

  1. Your family doctor will fax us a request – please make sure that your contact information is accurate so we may call you.
  2. We will call you within a few days to schedule an appointment, which will be within one week.
  3. You may need to have a blood test prior to your exam.
  4. You will receive a reminder a few days before your appointment.
  5. Please call us at least 48 hours in advance if you need to cancel or change the date of your appointment.

What to bring

  • Health Card
  • List of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines.

When you arrive

  • Please register at one the self-service registration kiosks at the Main Entrance at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment.
  • After registration, please report directly to the Medical Imaging Reception in Block D.
  • Depending on the type of examination, you may need to remove your clothes and wear a hospital gown.
  • You will have to remove your jewellery, piercings, glasses and any metal objects.

Preparation and procedure

Depending on the body part being examined, there could be restrictions on eating or drinking for several hours before the test. You could also have to drink a contrast liquid or take a laxative. We will give you detailed instructions when booking the appointment.

  • If you are breastfeeding, are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell the technologist before the exam.
  • During the examination, you lie on a table that slides into the scanner. The X-ray scanner moves around you to take cross-section images.
  • Depening on the type of examination, you may feel some discomfort, but is usually not painful.
  • The whole visit may take up to 90 minutes.
  • If you received a contrast injection, drink plenty of water in the 48 hours following the exam. The contrast will eliminate through urine and will be colourless.

Test results

    • Radiology technologists are not able to give you the results of your exam. Results will be sent to your physician within 10 working days.
    • Results will also be available in your electronic medical record. For information on the creation of an account and how to access your electronic medical record, visit MyChart.

li>You must book an appointment with your family doctor or healthcare professional who sent us the referral to discuss your test results.

Business hours

Office: Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Exams: 7 days a week, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Telephone

613-632-1111, option 1 (Appointments), then option 2 (Diagnostic Imaging)
Toll-free: 1-800-790-8870, option 2

Fax

613-636-6172

Address

HGH Main Campus
1111 Ghislain Street
Hawkesbury, ON K6A 3G5

The Medical Imaging Department is located in Block A. View a hospital plan.

External resources

Referring a patient for a CT scan at HGH

December 2019 – A new CT scanner is now available. Currently, wait times for an appointment are very short.

To refer a patient, please use the Ocean eReferral Network or download, fill out and fax the referral form to 613-636-6172.

Appointment booking line: 1-800-790-8870, extension 82501

Access to medical imaging records through PocketHealth

 

Scanner Specifications

  • GEHC Revolution Frontier – 128 slices
  • Bore size: 70 cm/27.56 inches
  • Table load capacity: 306 kg/675 lbs

New: types of exams previously unavailable at HGH

  • Lower limb angiogram to assess vessel patency
  • Helical CT of the head with possible reconstruction in sagittal and coronal plans
  • 3D reconstruction of extremities is possible

Detailed images

  • Improved segmentation and tracking of vessels
  • Robust opacification and visualization of even the smallest vessels in the brain

Benefits of new CT scanner for physicians

  • Better visualization of:
    • the smallest details to better discriminate between tissues and detect pathologies
    • the liver to better detect lesions and metastases
    • trabecular bone patterns
  • Reduction of unnecessary follow-ups and stress for patients and their families
  • Reduction in calcium and stents blooming, allowing for a more confident diagnosis
  • Improved patient safety – patients are exposed to lower levels of radiation (up to 40% less)
  • Reduction of contrast media doses without compromising image quality
  • Reduction of non-interpretable scans due to metal artifacts:
    • Excellent neuro-and carotid details with no impact from dental work
    • Post-surgical follow-ups to assess anatomical integrity
  • Ability to accommodate bariatric patients
  • Accurate kidney stone characterization with regionof interest identified

The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) provides more than 40 specialized medical clinics for residents of Prescott-Russell and surrounding region. For a list of clinics, departments and services, visit Refer a patient.