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2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
617-243-6000
Open 24 hoursLab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
307 W Central St
Natick, MA 01760
617-243-5345
159 Wells Ave
Newton Centre, MA 02459
617-243-5777
111 Norfolk Street
Walpole, MA 02081maps
978 Worcester Road (rte 9)
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02482
781-235-5200
Open 24 hours
Lab Hours and Holiday Hours Vary
25 Washington Street
Wellesley, Massachusetts 02481
617-219-1520
9 Hope Ave
Waltham, MA 02453
617-243-5590
Monday through Saturday: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
Sunday: 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
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We perform chest CT scans using an X-ray to take images from the top of your lungs (apices) through the top of your kidneys. In most cases, this is done to determine the cause of lung symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain.
To prepare for the exam, make sure to not eat any food four hours before your appointment time — although fluids are encouraged. Additionally, you should wear clothing that is comfortable and has no metal. Chains and necklaces must be removed before entering the exam room.
If there is any possibility that you are pregnant or nursing a baby, please speak with your referring doctor before your appointment.
Depending on the reason for your exam, you may have an IV placed in your arm in which a contrast is injected. During the exam, you will lie on a table with your arms raised above your head. The table will rise up and move in and out of a large circle once the exam has started. The technologist will explain any breathing instructions you may have during the actual exam and cover some specific medical history questions. Then the scan will start. A few images will be taken, so the technologist can set up the area to be scanned. If you are receiving an injection of contrast, a technologist will stay in the room for the start of the injection and step out just prior to the scan starting again. In most cases, the test is done while you lie on your back, but in some cases we ask that you lie on your stomach.
Depending on the reason for your test, a chest CT scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes.
After the technologist helps you from the table, you may be asked to remain in a holding area for 10 to 15 minutes before your IV is removed. This allows the technologist to ensure you’re feeling well before you’re released. Before you’re released, a technologist will process your images so a radiologist can evaluate them and dictate a report within 24 hours. Then a transcription of the report then is created and sent to your doctor. Department of Radiology, Newton Wellesley Hospital 2014 Washington Street Newton, MA 02462 Phone: 617-243-6600
Connect with our team to set up your imaging test