Frederick M. Barnett

No, it is not radioactive.

Thanks,

Dr. FMB

X-ray of the paranasal sinuses does show descent 2D images of a 3dimentional object so we must acquire more than one(orthogonal)view most of the time(an exception would be in children in an effort to reduce radiation. A CT scan of the sinuses is a much more detailed(better resolution/detailexam as it provides much more resolution of sinus anatomy and a better chance of finding more subtle abnormalities when present and possibly a cause for the patients signs and symptoms. Unfortunately a CT scan is much more expensive than plain x-rays. Thanks, Dr FMB, MD

No, preferably not because any metal clips can cause artifacts which can potentially cause some degradation of image resolution/clear visual of some anatomy.

Yes and no. For the most part, a CT scan of the head in a child is safe assuming that medical necessity has been established (the risk-benefit ratio is in the patient's favor). While the radiation dose for a head CT is low nonetheless less, radiation is used in the scan. Children's anatomy is more susceptible to adverse effects of radiation than adults and the truth is we don't know an exact dose threshold for these adverse rad effects to occur. Regardless, if there are adequate alternative diagnostic tests that can be performed, assuring an imaging study is needed, then an exam such as MRI should be considered, esp. in children (rad sensitivity). MRI and ultrasound do not utilize radiation to produce images. Thanks. Dr. FMB

Hello,

The answer to your question is not a one size fits all because it depends on the type of lung CT scan ordered. If it's a noncontrast CT of the lungs then no labs or IV needed and scan takes 1-2mins. If ordered with IV contrast the scan can be a straight forward scan with a single pass thru the anatomy of interest (1-2mins) in addition to time it takes to start an IV and whether labs were already done as an outpatient. A dynamic contrast study of the lungs is rarely done, but it's done sequentially, in phases to better assess blood supply (if any) to an abnormality such as a mass. The CT scanner will be programmed to scan the area of interest at for ex. 1, 5, and 10 minutes post contrast injection. Perfusion (enhancement) patterns can provide valuable, non invasive/non surgical information helping the doctor to have a better idea of what the abnormality/ diagnosis might be (e.g., tumor vs abscess, or blood). Labs to assess renal function PTE are needed in adults due to potential of causing permanent damage to kidneys that may be predisposed to ill effects from the contrast.

Hello,

The answer to your question is not a one size fits all because it depends on the type of kidney(renal) scan ordered. If its a noncontrast CT kidneys (looking for stones), then no labs or IV needed and scan takes 1-2mins. If ordered with Iv contrast the scan can be a straight forward scan with a single pass thru the anatomy of interest (1-2mins) in addition to time it takes to start an IV and whether labs were already done as an outpatient. A dynamic contrast study of the kidneys is done sequentially, in phases to better assess blood supply (if any) to an abnormality such as a mass. The CT scanner will be programmed to scan the area of interest at for ex. 1, 5, and 10 minutes post contrast injection. Perfusion (enhancement) patterns can provide valuable, non invasive/non surgical information helping the doctor to have a better idea of what the abnormality/ diagnosis might be (e.g., tumor vs abscess, or blood). Labs to assess renal function PTE are needed in adults due to potential of causing permanent damage to kidneys that may be predisposed to ill effects from the contrast.

Oftentimes a patient presenting to the doctor's office or ER with nonspecific complaints (abdominal pain, nausea vomiting) and basic physical exam and labs may not reveal much or suggest a potentially serious problem. A CT scan gives the doctor the opportunity to non-surgically take a look inside the abdomen to assess what, if anything, is wrong with intra-abdominal contents. (Instead of standing outside looking at a house wondering where the kitchen is located, just go inside and have a look!)

Yes you can have allergies to the CT contrast usually related to the iodine in the contrast. Interestingly, someone who has had a previous allergic reaction to the contrast may not the next time they are given the contrast. Conversely a patient who had a previous CT scan with contrast and didn't have an allergic reaction doesn't guarantee they wont have a reaction the next time they are given the iv contrast.

Hi,

The question regarding your MRI results is a good and valid one. In general, most routine outpatient MRI exams should have a final report ready the same day. There are a few exceptions such as : but not limited to: Exam was done at 10pm on a Friday night and the number pf physicians working that weekend will be a lot less and the main priority for physicians over the weekend will be emergency room, hospital inpatients, even then theirs a good chance your exam will be read w/in 12-24hours. If you exam is complicated and follow up from a previous exam done at another facility, getting prior exam for comparison is much more important then the turnaround report time that doesn't answer questions relative to prior studies. In addition even if an MRI exam that isn't urgent, but the ordering physician would like a preliminary result they can call the Radiology Dept and ask to speak with a radiologist or leave a message with secretary to call the Dr asap. I'm going to stop for now as there are countless add'lt scenarios that can arise and result in delay for a exam report not being available. The long and short answer to your question is yes you will almost always have a report done the same day exam was completed.

Sincerely,

FM Barnett, MD