We have two CT scanners in the medical imaging department. Both are located at our KW Campus at 835 King Street West in Kitchener. They are located in the medical imaging department on the second floor of the main hospital, in the D wing.

The CT scanners are in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as we support out-patients, emergency patients and in-patients.

At your CT scan appointment you will lie on a table and be moved into the middle of the scanner. The x-ray tube will rotate around you 360 degrees with a detector opposite to the tube to collect data. This data is processed by a computer and produces multi-planar images for interpretation by a radiologist.

A CT scan is able to reconstruct images from different angles (forward and side views). Viewing the body from different perspectives is very beneficial for radiologists when reviewing the images.

Some tests require a contrast media:

Oral contrast is requested to enhance the stomach, small and large bowel on CT scans.

Water is most generally used as oral contrast for CT examinations of the abdomen and pelvis area. Patients will be asked to drink 1 (one) litre of water, 1 hour prior to arriving for their appointment.

In some situations oral contrast is in the form of diluted iodinated contrast, barium or lactulose diluted in water. Should your examination require this type of oral contrast, expect to be in the department for approximately one and a half hours.

Intravenous contrast (x-ray dye) is an iodine based liquid injected into your vein to allow enhancement of the vessels supplying organs and tissues as well as the organs themselves. Intravenous contrast can be harmful to kidney function if you already have compromised kidney function. It is very important for high risk patients to have recent creatinine results (measurement of kidney function) before the injection of IV contrast media. This will be arranged by the ordering physician. Should your exam require intravenous contrast (x-ray dye) we will require that you provide a complete medical history and consent.

Visit our contrast media page to learn more about contrast media and possible side effects of its use.

If possible, avoid wearing clothing with zippers, metal or plastic buttons and belts for the CT scan. Sweat pants and a top are good options.