CT Training Online – Learn how to perform a Chest CT exam – some of these instructions may vary depending on your facility and the equipment you are working on.
CT Training Online – Scanning the Chest
CT Training Online – Chest CT images are screen shots from the Virtual CT Trainer Software causing some degrading in the image quality.
Exam Prep:
- When scanning the chest, attach the foot holder and position the patient supine and head first in the scanner.
- NOTE: This exam can be done either feet first or head first. (this example exam is done feet first) Usually head first is easier and if the exam is with contrast, place the injector head at the back of scanner and hook up the contrast with the patient in the scanner from the back side of the scanner allowing for better movement of the contrast tubing, as the patient moves in and out of the scanner.
- CT scan of the chest is typically done with contrast unless it is a follow up to a pulmonary nodule or a HRCT (High Resolution Chest) which is performed when an interstitial lung disease is suspected.
CT Training Online – Positioning the Patient:
- Move the patient into the scanner until the positioning light is just above the shoulders in the gantry.
- Adjust the table height to center the horizontal laser light midway between the anterior and posterior aspect of the chest cavity.
- Turn off the positioning light.
CT Training Online – Scanning Scout Images:
- Press the confirm button
- 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 Scan 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 chest, scan from just above the lung apices down through the adrenal glands.
- When you have the scan lines or box positioned over the desired anatomy, press the confirm button.
CT Training Online – Setting up the Injector and delay time
- Select the proper injector protocol, If your facility does not have preset injector protocols, set the injection rate at 2.0 ml/ sec and arm the injector.
- Injection rate for the chest is 2.0 – 2.5 ml/sec.
- Set your scan delay time at 30 seconds if not built into the Chest CT Protocol.
Scanning the Patient
- When you have your scan area covering the needed anatomy including the adrenal glands and you have your injector rate and delay time set – Push the injector start button and the scan button at the same time to start the scan.
The injector will inject the contrast into the patient at 2.0 ml/ sec for the 30 second delay. Once the delay reaches zero, the scanner will have the patient hold their breath and scan the patient.
Completing the Exam:
- Look through your images to verify you have all of the anatomy that is needed and no additional imaging is needed. Remove the IV if placed by you. Help the patient off of the scanner table.
- NOTE: On a CT Chest your images should scan through both adrenal glands.
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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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