CT Scan
What is a CT scan?

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a specialised x-ray technique that generates 3D images of your body, displaying bones, organs, tissues, and blood vessels. The CT scanner captures ultra-thin sections of your body to create a comprehensive cross-sectional picture.

Offering multiple perspectives and significantly more detail than 2D x-rays, CT scans are often preferred when doctors need to visualise soft tissues that may not be visible in standard x-rays. CT scans are valuable tools for diagnosing medical conditions and assisting doctors in planning appropriate treatments.

What to expect when getting a CT scan

CT scans are customised for each individual, meaning no two scans are precisely alike. During the scan, you may receive an injection of a contrast medium to enhance the image quality.

During the procedure, you will typically lie on your back on a flat bed that moves into the CT scanner. The doughnut-shaped scanner rotates around a specific section of your body as you pass through it.

To ensure clear images, it’s essential to lie still and breathe normally during the scan. You may be instructed to breathe in, out, or hold your breath at certain moments. The test generally takes 10 to 20 minutes to complete.

If you received a contrast injection, any sensations of warmth or unusual tastes should dissipate within a few minutes.

How to prepare
Bring the referral your Doctor or Specialist gave you.
Bring the referral your Doctor or Specialist gave you.
Advise the administration team if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent’s.
Advise the administration team if you have had relevant imaging outside of St Vincent’s.
Remove all jewellery.
Remove all jewellery.
Wear comfortable clothing and leave any valuables at home where possible.
Wear comfortable clothing and leave any valuables at home where possible.
Many types of CT scans require an injection of a special contrast-medium. Let our team know if you’re pregnant or have any allergies to contrast dyes.
Many types of CT scans require an injection of a special contrast-medium. Let our team know if you’re pregnant or have any allergies to contrast dyes.
Bring your Medicare card, healthcare card or insurance details as applicable.
Bring your Medicare card, healthcare card or insurance details as applicable.
Accessing your results
Accessing your results

All results can be downloaded electronically by your Doctor.

Billing and Medicare
Billing and Medicare

We offer low out-of-pocket fees that are highly competitive.

For rebatable exams, we bulk bill all pension or health care card holders and full-time tertiary students.

For any billing queries, you can contact our administration team to discuss applicable fees.

Make a Booking

Some examinations require specific preparation, so complete our booking form to ensure your visit with us goes smoothly. Once your booking form is received, our team will contact you to confirm an appointment.

Make a Booking
Getting Here

Visit us at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne Building B, Basement Level, 55 Victoria Parade Fitzroy, conveniently near public transport and with free parking available.

Logo
Basement, Building B,
55 Victoria Parade
Fitzroy VIC 3065
 
F:
03 9231 1005
We express God's love to those in need through the healing ministry of Jesus.

St Vincent’s Health Australia recognises the Traditional Owners/Custodians of the land on which its many sites are located. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and welcome all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to our place of care.

St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM) is inclusive, affirmative, and responsive to the needs of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, non-binary and gender diverse, Queer, Intersex and Asexual (LGBTQIA+) identifying staff, consumers, patients, carers, families and chosen families and to those identifying broadly as sexually and gender diverse.

At SVMH, we focus on embodying our values of compassion, justice, integrity and excellence by actively striving for LGBTQIA+ safety and responsiveness with staff and LGBTQIA+ peoples in the care of our service.

Footer Shape