Whole-body CT scan
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Whole-body CT scan

Whole-body CT scan in Tunis, Tunisia · Centre Urbain Nord

Whole-body CT scan in Tunis: an examination prescribed by a doctor (major trauma, assessment of certain cancers or myeloma), not a screening test.

What is it?

A whole-body CT scan examines a large part of the body in a single examination, usually from the head down to the thighs or feet. It is a medical examination prescribed by a doctor to answer a specific question: assessing injuries after a serious accident (major trauma), assessing certain cancers, or looking for bone lesions, for example in myeloma, with a "low-dose whole-body" protocol focused on the skeleton. It delivers a higher radiation dose than a CT scan of a single region. It is therefore not a "peace of mind" screening test to be done without a medical reason: it is the doctor who decides whether it is useful. An iodinated contrast injection may or may not be given, depending on the indication.

When is it indicated?

Major trauma

After a serious accident, it gives a complete assessment of injuries within minutes.

Myeloma assessment and follow-up

The low-dose protocol looks for lesions throughout the skeleton.

Assessment of certain cancers

Depending on the oncologist's opinion, it looks for spread of the disease throughout the body.

Preparation

1Tell us if you are pregnant or think you might be: a CT scan uses X-rays
2Remove jewellery, hair clips, glasses, removable dentures and any metal object from the area being examined
3If an injection is planned, tell us about any allergy (especially to an iodinated contrast agent), kidney disease, diabetes or myeloma; a recent blood test (creatinine) may be requested
4Tell us if you take metformin (a diabetes treatment): whether to pause it around the injection is decided by the doctor
5If an injection is planned, do not eat for a few hours beforehand, as instructed when you book; your usual medicines can generally be taken with a little water
6Bring the detailed prescription and previous examinations: they help target the examination

Procedure

1

You remove clothing and metal objects from the area to be examined; a gown may be provided

2

You lie on your back, with your arms positioned according to the area studied

3

You lie on a table that slides slowly through a wide, open ring: it is not a closed tunnel

4

If an injection is needed, the iodinated contrast agent is given through a small drip in your arm: a brief feeling of warmth and a metallic taste are normal

5

You are given breathing instructions (breathe in, hold your breath for a few seconds); you need to keep still during each pass

6

You can then return to your usual activities; after an injection, drink plenty of fluids during the day (unless your doctor advises otherwise) to help clear the contrast agent

Duration

About 15 to 30 minutes in total

Results

The images are analysed by a radiologist, who writes a report. The report is given to you with the images and sent to your doctor, who will explain the results and the next steps. You will be told when to expect it on the day of the examination.

Precautions and contraindications

Higher radiation dose than a CT scan of a single region: the examination is only done when the doctor judges it justified
Pregnancy: a relative contraindication; a CT scan is only performed if it is essential, after medical advice
Allergic reaction to the iodinated contrast agent (if injected): rare and usually mild (redness, itching); serious reactions are exceptional and the team is trained to manage them
In case of kidney failure, the iodinated injection can strain the kidneys: the doctor avoids or adjusts it
It is not a screening test: it can show harmless findings that lead to unnecessary further tests

Your doctor and the radiology team will inform you in detail before the examination. Feel free to ask them your questions.

This information is general and does not replace the advice of your doctor, who chooses the examination suited to your situation.

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