Computed tomography (CT)

CT scans are used to investigate a wide range of conditions, including head injuries, acute haemorrhages, diseases of the lungs, abdomen and skeleton, as well as gout and bone marrow oedema. They also play an important role in the diagnosis of vascular diseases and in monitoring recovery following surgery or treatment. Thanks to the short scan time, they enable rapid medical decisions to be made and are therefore frequently used in emergency medicine.

In interventional radiology, CT provides high-resolution images for planning and carrying out procedures, such as biopsies, drainage systems for infections or infiltrations for pain management.

The examination can be carried out with or without a contrast agent. We only use a contrast agent if it provides additional medical benefit for the diagnosis.

The iodine-containing contrast agent makes inflammation, tumours and circulatory disorders more visible, enabling changes to be assessed more accurately and diagnoses to be made with greater precision. It is usually administered via a vein, though depending on the specific clinical situation, it may also be given as an oral solution or an enema.

After the examination, the kidneys excrete the contrast medium. Drinking plenty of fluids helps this process. With normal kidney function, 90–95 per cent is excreted within 24 hours, with a large proportion being excreted after just a few hours. How long it takes for the contrast medium to be completely excreted depends, amongst other things, on kidney function, age, fluid intake and other individual factors. You can usually resume your normal daily activities without restriction after the contrast medium has been administered.

Modern CT contrast agents are very well tolerated. Please inform us before the scan of any allergies – particularly to iodine – kidney dysfunction, thyroid disorders or other pre-existing conditions, so that we can tailor the scan to your needs. Allergic reactions are rare. We are prepared for such an eventuality and will take the necessary measures immediately if required.

Even the slightest movements can affect the image quality and mean that scans have to be repeated. This can result in additional radiation exposure. You should therefore lie down in a relaxed position and remain as still as possible. Our staff will use suitable positioning aids to ensure that you are stable and that movement is minimised as much as possible.

The duration of the examination depends on the area of the body being examined and the clinical issue, and usually takes between 5 and 20 minutes. You can contact our staff at any time via an intercom system.

If no contrast medium was administered, you can usually carry on with your daily routine straight away as normal.

If a contrast medium was used, you can also resume your normal activities. We recommend that you drink plenty of fluids to help it be excreted more quickly via the kidneys. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as a rash, shortness of breath or persistent discomfort, please contact a healthcare professional.

Radiology has undergone significant technological advances in recent years. Modern equipment now enables a significantly lower radiation dose and thus offers more effective protection than lead aprons for patients could ever provide.

In light of these developments and new scientific findings, professional bodies recommend that lead aprons should no longer be used on patients in radiology.

Different requirements continue to apply to our medical staff: as they regularly work in the vicinity of radiation sources, protective equipment such as lead aprons remains an important measure for keeping occupational radiation exposure as low as possible.

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X-rays are a form of ionising radiation, to which we are also exposed in everyday life through natural sources such as the environment, soil, rock and food. Our bodies therefore have their own protective and repair mechanisms to rectify any potential cell damage.

Before every examination, we carefully assess whether the medical benefits outweigh the potential radiation exposure. Modern equipment automatically adjusts the radiation dose to suit the specific examination and uses only as much radiation as is necessary for a safe and accurate diagnosis.

Our aim is to achieve the best possible image quality whilst minimising radiation exposure as much as possible.

Are you pregnant, or do you suspect you might be? Please let us know straight away. In this case, we will reassess the benefits and risks. We will only carry out the examination if it is medically justifiable, taking into account all protective measures for the unborn child.

Please let us know if you require dialysis. We will arrange for you to have dialysis after the contrast medium has been administered, as the contrast medium cannot be adequately excreted via the kidneys. We will discuss the procedure with you on an individual basis.

If you have a known allergy or have previously experienced an allergic reaction to iodine-containing contrast agents, please inform us before the examination.

If necessary, you will be given medication in advance (pre-medication) to reduce the risk of an allergic reaction. These medicines may make you feel drowsy. You must therefore not drive a vehicle or operate machinery for twelve hours afterwards, and should, if possible, arrange for someone to take you home.

If you have hyperthyroidism, please speak to your doctor before the CT scan. You may need to take medication in advance.