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Sarah Khan, MD

Radiologist

Dr. Sarah Khan is a radiologist practicing in Southlake, TX. Dr. Khan specializes in diagnosing and treating injuries and diseases using medical imaging techniques such as mammogram with 3D , breast ultrasound, and body ultrasound. These techniques offer accurate visibility to the inside of the patients body and help to detect otherwise hidden illnesses so that they can be treated quickly and efficiently.
Sarah Khan, MD
  • Southlake, TX
  • Accepting new patients

Can I have coffee before a neck and chest CT scan?

When a CT chest is performed it covers a portion of the upper abdomen where the gallbladder may be seen. So, if you eat a fatty meal the gallbladder will contract and limit the READ MORE
When a CT chest is performed it covers a portion of the upper abdomen where the gallbladder may be seen. So, if you eat a fatty meal the gallbladder will contract and limit the ability to check on the gallbladder. Sometimes we see gallstones even though that’s not why we are doing the CT chest . In summary, to get the best for your investment it’s better to avoid a fatty meal .

I do not think there’s harm in drinking tea (without milk or cream ). You can have water .

Is PET scan safe?

PET scans utilize radioactive material which is not something you want to put in your body unless necessary. Always best to discuss the alternative if that is a concern. Ask READ MORE
PET scans utilize radioactive material which is not something you want to put in your body unless necessary.

Always best to discuss the alternative if that is a concern. Ask your physician if the frequency of PET scan can also be limited so as to reduce your exposure to radioactive material.

I had a neck CT done that came back normal. My neck still hurts?

If your neck pain continues - an MRI which has no radiation may be the next best choice to evaluate other soft tissue structures a CT scan cannot .

Do radiologists do ultrasounds?

Not all radiologists perform ultrasounds. If the radiologist trained at a facility that encourages ultrasound training and the radiologist continued to fine tune their skills they READ MORE
Not all radiologists perform ultrasounds. If the radiologist trained at a facility that encourages ultrasound training and the radiologist continued to fine tune their skills they will be more inclined to perform the ultrasound on their patients .

Having said that,I strongly believe that a radiologist knows more pathology on all different age groups and genders. Based on their educational experience a radiologist would be more adept at identifying problems and giving a diagnosis more effectively if performed by the radiologist personally.

How long is a CT scan without contrast?

Should be no more than 1 minute once your in the table and positioned properly.

Does a neck CT scan show your thyroid?

Yes. Your thyroid will be included in your neck CT scan.

How long is a whole-body CT scan?

A whole body CT scan without intravenous contrast should take no more than 10 minutes which includes : Assisting in positioning patient on the scanning table and centering Remotely READ MORE
A whole body CT scan without intravenous contrast should take no more than 10 minutes which includes :

Assisting in positioning patient on the scanning table and centering
Remotely Pushing table into the gantry
Remotely Taking the images
Remotely Pulling table out of the gantry
Assisting in removing patient off table



How long does a gallbladder CT scan take?

The noncontrast scan should take no more than 1 minute after placing patient in the table.

Why was my mammogram so painful?

Depends on the skill set of the technologist. I have always taught my techs to watch the patients facial reaction when turning the knob to compress the breast while consistently READ MORE
Depends on the skill set of the technologist. I have always taught my techs to watch the patients facial reaction when turning the knob to compress the breast while consistently asking the patient if it’s alright to continue to squeeze the breast tissue further as the mammography machine will not take an exposure unless the minimum compression requirement is not met.

Giving the patient control over the process allows better compression.

You may try taking an over the counter pain killer 45 - 60 minutes prior to and after your mammogram to alleviate the symptoms before and after as some women are very sensitive to pain.

kidney stone scan

A kidney stone protocol should be used to detect stones. Typically done without contrast and completed in a minute which should include your abdomen and pelvis .

What's the earliest I can get a mammogram?

If your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40, then it’s important for you start early. A good rule of thumb is to start 10 years earlier than when your mother READ MORE
If your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40, then it’s important for you start early. A good rule of thumb is to start 10 years earlier than when your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer . Thus, you should start your mammogram at 30 years of age.

This rule is best utilized if your mother was premenopausal when diagnosed.

How long is a kidney CT scan?

Depends on whether it’s with or without contrast and what is being evaluated . A routine CT if the abdomen without contrast takes 5 minutes once your in the table . A contrasted READ MORE
Depends on whether it’s with or without contrast and what is being evaluated .

A routine CT if the abdomen without contrast takes 5 minutes once your in the table .

A contrasted study takes 8-10 minutes after you on in the table.

Hope that helps



Mammogram results?

When a mass is identified on a mammogram, by definition it must be seen on two views. Hence, when we see a finding only on one view it is considered an assymetry (so it should READ MORE
When a mass is identified on a mammogram, by definition it must be seen on two views. Hence, when we see a finding only on one view it is considered an assymetry (so it should most likely not be a mass )

Depending on how dense your breast are these “assymetries” require follow up diagnostic mammogram and/or ultrasound to exclude an underlying mass particularly in a woman with dense breast pattern as an underlying mass could be hidden in the orthogonal view under the dense pattern making the finding visible only on one view which could easily be dismissed.

Does CT contrast change urine color?

CT to my knowledge does not change the color of your urine . It is a clear substance.

How long will a CT scan of the liver take?

A typical CT scan (assuming your already on the CT table), should take 15-20 seconds without contrast. If it’s with contrast add an additional 30 seconds . If you require delayed READ MORE
A typical CT scan (assuming your already on the CT table), should take 15-20 seconds without contrast. If it’s with contrast add an additional 30 seconds .

If you require delayed scans to evaluate a liver lesion, then it can take longer (anywhere from 15 - 20 min ) to see how certain lesions in the liver enhance allows us to sometimes decipher a benign hemangioma from an occult lesion .

What can I drink after a CT scan with contrast?

It is preferable to drink water - lots of water so that you can essentially “pee” out the contrast that is excreted through the kidneys. I typically tell patients allow the color READ MORE
It is preferable to drink water - lots of water so that you can essentially “pee” out the contrast that is excreted through the kidneys. I typically tell patients allow the color of urine to turn clear - that’s how you know your drinking enough water. If the urine is too yellow your not drinking enough water .

How long does a CT scan for kidney stones take?

Typically a CT kidney stone protocol takes about 30 seconds or less for the entire scan from beginning to end once you get on the table.

How long does it take to get abdominal CT results?

Most facilities have protocols for emergent cases versus nonemergent cases. You pay more for a stat case too at some facilities. But for the most part I believe a site may have READ MORE
Most facilities have protocols for emergent cases versus nonemergent cases. You pay more for a stat case too at some facilities. But for the most part I believe a site may have as part of their policy between 24 -72 hours. Most cases are triaged by the tech who may or may not tell the radiologist to read a case as a stat because they saw a finding while scanning or the patient was very sick and in a lot of pain . I have my techs trained to give me that type of information . We typically have a 4- 24 hour turn around for nonemergent cases .

How long is a CT scan of the brain?

A brain CT shouldn’t take but 10 -15 seconds without contrast once your on the table. Add an additional 10-15 seconds if your getting the CT brain with contrast too.

Is it safe to get a chest CT scan during pregnancy?

Best to limit any radiation exposure to the fetus during pregnancy especially first trimester. Please consult with the radiologist and your ordering physician to determine the READ MORE
Best to limit any radiation exposure to the fetus during pregnancy especially first trimester. Please consult with the radiologist and your ordering physician to determine the medical necessity of this exam.