Learn CT Scan Today – Learn how to perform a Soft Tissue Neck CT exam – some of these instructions may vary depending on the equipment you are working on.
Learn CT Scan Today – Scanning the Soft Tissue Neck
Learn CT Scan Today – Soft Tissue Neck CT images are screen shots from the Virtual CT Trainer Software causing some degrading in the image quality.
Soft Tissue Neck
Exam Prep:
- When scanning the soft tissue neck, attach the head unit and position the patient supine and head first in the scanner.
- A routine Soft Tissue Neck is done with IV contrast in most cases.
- Draw up 100 cc of IV contrast into the injector.
- Start an IV if not already placed and connect the contrast tubing to the IV.
Learn CT Scan – Positioning the Patient:
- Move the patient into the scanner until the positioning light is at the sternal notch.
- Adjust the table height until the horizontal light is midway between the neck.
- Turn off the positioning light
Learn CT Scan – Scanning Scout Images:
- When the patient is properly positioned – Press confirm
- Prep the scanner (scan button will be solid or a flashing light – depends on manufacture)
- Scan your AP & Lateral scout images – Some manufacturers will require the patient to move back into the gantry to scan the second scout and some will move the patient back into the scanner as it acquires the second scout.
Adjusting Your Lines or Box to Cover Desired Anatomy:
- Adjust the lines or box to cover the anatomy to be scanned (lines or box depends on CT manufacture).
- When scanning the soft tissue neck, scan from the sphenoid sinus to mid-way through the aortic arch.
- When the lines or box are positioned over the desired anatomy, press the confirm button.
Learn CT Scan – Scanning the Patient:
- Select the injector protocol – the injection rate for the soft tissue neck is in the range of 2.5 – 3 ml/sec with a 40 second delay time. If you have preset protocols, select the Soft Tissue Neck protocol. When you have your scan area covering the needed anatomy from the sphenoid sinus to mid-way through the aortic arch and you have your injector rate and delay time set
- Arm the injector
- Press the scan button and the injector start button at the same time to achieve the proper delay time of 40 seconds post injection (may vary depending on your facility).
Completing the Exam:
- Look through your images to verify you have all of the needed anatomy for the contrast enhanced soft tissue neck. Remove the IV if placed by you and help the patient off of the scanner table.
Virtual CT Trainer Software – Learn More
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Disclaimer: This training does not replace formal hands on CT training, either on the job or academic schooling. Do not perform CT on an actual patient without additional training.
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