Pediatric Patients > CT Scan

Computerized Tomography (CT) is offered in both Bremerton and Silverdale. CT uses x-rays to make images, which are turned into “slices” of the body by a computer. CT scanning is painless. Depending on the part of the body being scanned, contrast media, sometimes called dye, may be used. This contrast can improve the visibility of organs and structures otherwise obscured. Since the CT scanner uses x-rays, it is important to let your doctor and our staff know if there is a chance you may be pregnant.

Recently installed at the Silverdale location is a state-of-the-art Philips 40-slice scanner. This new technology can acquire 40 slices in 0.43 seconds. It allows for 3-D reconstruction and allows your doctor to see images of your internal organs and structures, including heart and cardiovascular system, in great detail from a variety of angles. It will be upgraded early in 2006 to a 64 slice. This is the most advanced scanner currently operational in West Puget Sound.

• AMI's commitment to high quality imaging led us to be the first in the county to offer spiral (or helical) CT, allowing evaluation from head to toe.
• AMI offers Renal Colic CT exams, which are used to look for acute kidney stones, rather than performing an IVP which takes much longer and requires an injection of contrast (dye).
• Common applications of CT are the evaluations of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis; but CT is also used for many other conditions, including complex or subtle bone fractures, tumors, CT-guided liver or lung biopsies (which can eliminate the need for surgery in order to have a biopsy performed), lumbar myelography, etc.
• AMI offers
  • CT angiography, including carotid arteries, the Circle of Willis, renal arteries, and the abdominal aorta.
  • CT Virtual Colonoscopy – a promising new non-invasive method of screening for colorectal cancer.
• In addition to our DEXA scanner, our Bremerton CT scanner is also capable of measuring bone density for osteoporosis evaluation.
• Cardiac CT Scan allows for non-invasive imaging of the coronary arteries. This new service will be available in early 2006.

NPO 4 hours prior to examination. Sedation may be required. Oral contrast for CT may be mixed with juice or pop, preferably juice (try placing contrast into pop can and having patient drink from straw; if all else fails, patient may need nasogastric tube). Contrast should be given between at least 45 minutes prior and no later than 120 minutes prior to initiating scanning, with consistent, slow administration. CT oral contrast volumes: <6 months, 4 oz; 6 months to 3 years, 8-16 oz; 4 years to 11 years, 16-32 oz as tolerated; >=12 years, 32 oz as tolerated.