CT Scan Services in Midland, TX
Starting at $400
CT Services at NuChoice Imaging Center
NuChoice Imaging Center provides affordable CT Scan Services in our walk-up facility with top-of-the-line technology and expert care for our patients of all ages - starting from just $400. Next-day appointments are available!
What is a CT Scan?
Computed tomography scans, or CT scans, use rotating X-rays and computers to produce cross-sectional images of the body. While traditional X-ray machines are designed to target a single spot, CT scans take images that uncover thin “slices” of your muscles, bones, organs, and blood vessels to provide your diagnostic team with intensely detailed information.
Sometimes referred to as CAT scans, these pieces of equipment machines can be used to produce a visual representation of nearly any part of the body including the head, shoulders, spine, heart, abdomen, knee, and chest.
How Is A CT Scan Performed?
A moving table, a “donut” shaped X-ray scanner, and sometimes a special dye called contrast material work in tandem to provide your doctor with the most accurate images available.
Patients are asked to lie completely still on the table or bed, and sometimes even hold their breath, as the table moves in and out of the scanner, and as the scanner rotates, buzzes, and whirs to work.
As with all medical tests and procedures, prepare yourself to arrive at the medical facility well in advance of the actual testing time. Your doctor may advise you to refrain from eating or drinking for up to 4-hours before your exam.
You may be asked to change into a gown before the exam, so be sure to wear comfortable clothes on the day of the procedure as well as leave any jewelry at home. Metal inside the scanner can interfere with the scan results, so you’ll want to make sure to account for that.
What Are CT Scans Used For?
CT Scans at NuChoice Imaging Center are vital to our overall diagnostic imaging services. We provide CT scans to help diagnose and treat various medical conditions.
We are pleased to offer the following CT services:
- CT Angiograms: CTA exams are utilized to diagnose abnormalities within the arteries of the body like occlusions or aneurysms. If you have an existing aneurysm, a CTA scan can be utilized to monitor the size or change of the existing aneurysm.
Chest CT: A chest CT scan can detect many different types of lung diseases, heart problems, or cancer in the lungs or other parts of the chest.
- Abdomen/Pelvis CT: An abdomen/pelvis CT scan can be used to detect kidney stones, gallstones, appendicitis, abdominal aortic aneurysms, bowel obstructions, and more.
- Head and Neck CT: A head and neck CT scan can be used to detect cancers in the head or neck region such as oral cancer or thyroid cancer.
- Extremity (Arms and Legs) CT: An extremity (arms and legs) CT scan is typically done if you have symptoms like bone pain or swelling in your arms
How to Prepare for a CT Scan?
As mentioned earlier, some medical inquiries require the use of contrast material in order to produce more accurate or more targeted CT scan images. Contrast material (or dye) highlights certain features like organs, blood vessels, and more.
If your doctor deems that contrast material is necessary, your preparation may include drinking or being injected with a special iodine-based liquid. Know that this liquid is safe and is typically cleared from your body through your urine over the course of 24 hours.
When it’s time for the test, you’ll be instructed to lie on your back on the CT scan table once you’ve changed and cleared yourself of any objects that may interfere with the test. Once in position, the bed will begin to slowly move into the scanner.
CT scans are completely painless and can take anywhere between 10 and 30-minutes to complete. While being scanned, you’ll be asked to remain as still as possible and may even be asked to hold your breath. Once the scan is finished, the bed will begin to move out of the scanning “donut” and you will be instructed to rise.
IIf contrast was used, you may also receive special instructions and requests to drink lots of fluids.
Ready to Book an Appointment?
Contact our front office staff to get squared away for your next-day imaging appointment.