MGH campus transformation
MGH’s campus transformation continues with major renovation work this winter and spring. Patients and visitors can expect to experience hallway closures and detours around the hospital. Read more here.
MGH’s campus transformation continues with major renovation work this winter and spring. Patients and visitors can expect to experience hallway closures and detours around the hospital. Read more here.
A CT scan produces a series of images that can detect many conditions that are not detectable with conventional x-rays.
CT scans are exams that involve lying on a table while a special x-ray machine produces cross-sectional images or pictures of the inside of the body. During the scan, an x-ray tube producing a thin beam of radiation moves around the area of your body being scanned while the table moves through the scanner. This produces multiple cross-sectional images which can be combined to create 3D images or images along different planes.
We now accept eReferrals from Primary Care! Find us on the OCEAN Health Map.
If you are a primary care provider and want to sign up for OCEAN eReferral, complete the online quick form or email @email.
We are here to support you. You may reach us at 416-469-6401 (the main DI line) from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you require assistance outside of regular business hours, you may choose one of the following options:
There are two main exam types in the CT: with intravenous (IV) contrast and without IV contrast. Please note: There is always a possibility that you may need IV contrast on the day of your CT exam, regardless of what your referring physician originally requested. Our specialized team will determine the best imaging protocol required for you. Should you have any concerns, our nurse, technologist, and/or radiologist will be happy to assist you on the day of your exam. Please review the following instructions for your CT scan, both for non-contrast and contrast Studies.
For all CT exams, please remove jewelry, hairpins and bobby pins before your exam. No other preparation is needed for CT studies without IV contrast.
For studies without IV contrast, exams are relatively short, usually lasting no longer than 5 minutes.
For studies with IV contrast, exams can be longer, ranging from 5 to 30 minutes, or more. When receiving IV contrast, it is normal to experience a warm sensation and a metallic taste in the mouth. A feeling of mild nausea after the exam is also not uncommon. These effects are short-lived and go away on their own.
For CT exams with IV contrast, please review the following instructions:
If you are pregnant, please tell your doctor. They may recommend another type of exam.
For CT-guided biopsies and procedures, please refer to the Interventional Procedures webpage to learn more about how to prepare for your exam. Your referring specialist physician will provide you with instructions for your specific procedure. If you have not received the instructions from your specialist physician, please call us at 416-469-6580 extension 2310.