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What To Expect
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Types of Scanners

What to Expect

At Pocono MRI Imaging and Diagnostic Center, we believe that knowing what to expect can help make you more comfortable.

After the pre-registration process your pulse will be checked and further medication may be administered as needed.

You will be accompanied to a changing room. You will change into a hospital gown. You will need to empty your pockets and remove any metallic jewelry such as eyeglasses, watches, nonpermanent dentures, hairpins, any piercings, and personal possessions such as wallets, car keys, and credit cards. You may choose to wear a sweat suit that is free of metal or change into a hospital gown if your clothing has metal zippers, snaps, hooks, etc. Your personal belongings can be stored in your own secure locker during your scan.

The staff will then accompany you to the scanning room and help you get situated on the table. During the scan, you will lie on the padded table on your back with a cushion under your knees. The cushion helps take the pressure off your lower back and allows you to be more comfortable.

The table then lifts up and slides into an opening. This NEVER closes. It is open the entire time on both ends.

• There are usually some refreshments available in the changing area for your convenience.
• You will be monitored from this point on.
• A nurse will insert an IV line into a vein in your arm to administer contrast (dye) during your procedure.
• If you have had a reaction to Nitroglycerin, you must notify the RN.
• If your pulse is too high, you will need additional doses of heart slowing medication. This may delay your exam upto 60 minutes.
• The registered Nurse will clean three small areas of your chest and place small, sticky electrode patches on these areas. Men may expect to have their chest partially shaved to help the electrodes stick. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor, which charts your heart’s electrical activity.
• Once you are ready, the staff will then accompany you to the scanning room and help you get situated on the table.
• During the scan, you will lie on the padded table on your back with a cushion under your knees. The cushion helps take the pressure off your lower back and allows you to be more comfortable.
• The table then lifts up and slides into an opening. This NEVER closes. It is open the entire time on both ends.
• Once in the scanning room, the technologists will be stationed outside the room but there is a large window between you and them. There is an intercom which permits you have continuous communication throughout the scan. The actual scan takes only seconds.
• You may be given oxygen thru a tube under your nose. This will help you to hold your breath.
• You will be asked to raise your arms over your head for the duration of the exam. The table will lift and slide into the scanner

During the scan
• You will receive a contrast agent through your IV to help produce the images. It is common to feel a warm sensation as the contrast circulates through your body.
• You may be given a small dose of Nitroglycerin under your tongue
• Once the technologist is sure that all the information is collected, the IV will be removed.
• The CT scan only takes about 15 seconds to complete.

After the procedure:
• You may continue all normal activities, eat as usual and you should drink plenty of fluids after the study.
• Your BP and pulse will be checked prior to releasing you from our facility.
• Your physician will discuss the results of your test with you.

Please ask your doctor if you have any questions about the Cardiac CT.

A note about CT and risk:

A CT Scan is a low risk procedure. Occasionally, patients experience an adverse reaction to the contrast agent. Some patients develop itching or a rash following the injection. These symptoms are usually self-limiting and resolve without further treatment. Antihistamines can be administered if needed for symptomatic relief. Rarely, a more serious allergic reaction, called an anaphylactic reaction, occurs that may result in breathing difficulty. This reaction is potentially life-threatening and would require medications and treatment to reverse the symptoms. CT scanners use x-rays. For your safety, the amount of radiation exposure is kept to a minimum. Because x-rays can harm a developing fetus, however, this procedure is not recommended if you are pregnant. The single most important step for patients trying to determine whether they should consider a Coronary CTA is consultation with their physician. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor to evaluate current symptoms or Cardiac risk factors to determine the appropriateness and safety of Coronary CTA.