CT Can Image a Combination of Soft Tissue, Bone and Blood Vessels with Great Clarity
The purpose of Computed Tomography (CT) is to obtain images from different angles around the body and convert the images into a cross section (or “slices”) of various body tissues and organs.

CT is an excellent diagnostic tool for:

• Cancer detection
• Treatment of heart disease
• Acute stroke
• Vascular diseases

The high-quality images obtained from the scan can often replace other more invasive procedures.

CT Scans at McLeod Regional Medical Center
The CT area at McLeod Regional Medical Center currently has four state-of-the-art multislice scanners, including one 320-slice scanner, two 64-slice scanners and one 16-slice scanner. These scanners allow for faster and more accurate scan time and operate two to four times faster than conventional scanners.

A new feature of these scanners is CT fluoroscopy, which shortens the procedure time for patients undergoing biopsies and other invasive CT procedures. These scanners also offer a higher resolution for non-invasive CT angiography and 3-D reconstruction of the scans.

McLeod Regional Medical Center was the first hospital in the state to install the Siemens Biograph mCT, an innovative PET/CT scanner which offers accurate, fast and comfortable exams for a wide range of patients. The new PET/CT scanner offers exceptional patient comfort with a large, 78-cm cylinder. Its open design and fast scan times may help patients feel less claustrophobic. The unit’s innovative dose-reduction technologies minimize patient exposure to radiation. Additionally, the system’s fast scan times result in less patient motion, optimizing both image quality and the overall patient experience. Exams that previously lasted 40 minutes are now performed in less than 20 minutes.

CT is staffed 24-hours a day to provide service to the McLeod Trauma Center. The McLeod CT Department is accredited by the American College of Radiology.

For your convenience, CT scans are performed at three locations on the Florence Campus:

• McLeod Tower, First Floor, 555 East Cheves Street, Florence
• McLeod Pavilion, First Floor, 801 East Cheves Street, Florence
• McLeod Plaza, First Floor, 800 East Cheves Street, Florence

CT Scans generate images of the following:

Abdomen & Pelvis
CT Guided Biopsies
Chest
CT Angiography
CTA – Coronary/Heart
Head & Neck
Radiofrequency Ablation
Sinus
Vertebroplasty

What Happens When I Get a CT Scan?
During the scan you will lie on a padded table that will move you into the scanner for your test. A CT scan is typically painless and lasts anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. It is usually performed on an outpatient basis. For the best results, it is important that you lie still during this process. You may be asked to hold your breath during part of the scan. The technologist will be nearby you at all times should you become uncomfortable or have questions.

Please do not eat or drink for two hours before the time of your scan. You will also need to bring all medications you are currently taking in their original containers.