A CT scan or “CAT” scan is a non invasive diagnostic test that requires the patient to lie on a table, which passes through the scanner whilst the images are acquired.
It is a fast simple test that obtains cross sectional images of a patients anatomy.
It is commonly used for examining the brain, examining internal organs such as the lungs, liver, kidneys and intestines, examining the bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.
CT Scan or CAT scan in the X Ray Deparment at the Bon Secours private hospital Galway include:
The CT Scan process at the Galway Bon Secours is performed as follows:
Prior to making an appointment for a CT scan at the Bon Secours Hospital Galway, a referral letter is required to be sent by fax or post from your GP to the relevant consultant. This letter must have been received by the X Ray department in advance of the appointment. Once this has been received the X-Ray department will contact the patient with the information and questions relevant to the scan.
For the vast majority of CT scans minimal preparation is required by the patient. This will be discussed with the patient on making the appointment e.g. for certain scans the patient may be required to drink an oral contrast for between 45mins to 90mins prior to the scan. Similarly an injection of intravenous contrast agent may be given as a part of the test. If this injection is required the appointment secretary will go through a list of questions with the patient. In some cases these questions may lead to the patient requiring a blood test prior to attending for their scan.
As a CT scan involves the use of ionising radiation female patients may be asked the date of the first day of their most recent period, and whether there is any possibility they may be pregnant.
If the patient has any special requirement such as sight or hearing deficits, requires any assistance (eg must have a hoist to get out of a chair) or has any cognitive deficit please let us know when making the appointment.
The CT scanner at the Bon Secours Galway Hospital is located in the X-Ray department and is open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday as is its appointment office.
Tel: 091 381922
Fax: 091757639
A single CT scan costs €250, the cost of any procedure will be told to the patient when their appointment is made.