Mass General West Imaging - Patient Prep Guidelines

CAT (or CT) SCAN PROCEDURES ( Download this file in .pdf )

MASS GENERAL WEST IMAGING
40 Second Avenue
The PARC Center
Suite 100 (Diagnostic Services)
Suite 120 (CT/MRI Services)
Suite 130 (Bone Densitometry and Screening Mammography)
Waltham, MA 02451
Exit 27B off Route 95/128

Welcome to Mass General West Imaging, a state of the art imaging center staffed by Radiologists and Technologists of the Massachusetts General Hospital. We provide the highest standard of medical imaging service and interpretation that you have come to expect from MGH in a modern, convenient suburban setting. We want you, our patients, to be well informed about your imaging studies and have prepared this web site for you to read prior to your arrival in our department.

CT: CT is a computer aided X-ray machine that generates cross sectional pictures of the body. With our state of the art equipment, the actual test will only take a few minutes. If you are pregnant, you should not have this test unless there are special circumstances. You will most likely receive an injection of a special liquid to help the radiologist better visualize your internal structures. If your abdomen is being imaged, you may also need to have a drink to better visualize your intestines. If you have an allergy to iodine, or x ray contrast, please discuss this with your physician and let us know prior to the day of your appointment. If you have severe asthma or sickle cell disease, please also let us know when you arrive in the department.

Preparation: Nothing to eat for two hours prior to the examination if your abdomen is being imaged. Otherwise, just drink plenty of fluids on the day of your examination.