What Does a CT Scan Show?

CT scanning combines multiple X-ray images taken from different angles and uses computer processing to create cross-sectional views — effectively slicing through the body in fine detail. This allows the radiologist to see structures that are not visible on a standard X-ray.

CT scans can assess:

• Bones and joints — fractures, degeneration, bone lesions
• Chest and lungs — infections, nodules, fluid, and pulmonary conditions
• Abdomen and pelvis — organ abnormalities, kidney stones, appendicitis, bowel obstruction
• Head and brain — bleeding, stroke, tumours, skull fractures
• Blood vessels — aneurysms, blockages, and vascular abnormalities (CT angiography)
• Spine — disc disease, spinal canal narrowing, vertebral fractures
• Sinuses — chronic sinusitis, nasal polyps

The versatility of CT makes it one of the most requested imaging modalities in general practice. Your GP will specify which body region to scan and whether contrast is needed based on the clinical question being asked.

Common Reasons Your GP May Refer You for a CT Scan

GPs refer patients for CT scanning across a wide range of clinical scenarios. Common reasons include:

Abdominal and Pelvic Pain

• Suspected kidney stones — CT is the gold standard for detecting renal calculi
• Acute abdominal pain — to exclude appendicitis, diverticulitis, or bowel obstruction
• Chronic abdominal symptoms — investigating unexplained pain, weight loss, or abnormal blood tests
• Pelvic pain — assessing ovarian, bladder, or other pelvic pathology

Chest and Respiratory

• Persistent cough — investigating lung pathology or infection
• Shortness of breath — assessing for pulmonary embolism, pleural effusion, or other causes
• Abnormal chest X-ray — CT provides the next level of detail when a standard X-ray raises concerns
• National Lung Cancer Screening Programme — low-dose CT for eligible patients

Head and Neurological

• Headache — particularly severe, sudden-onset, or progressive headache
• Head injury — to exclude intracranial bleeding or skull fractures
• Dizziness and neurological symptoms — investigating structural causes

Musculoskeletal

• Complex fractures — where standard X-ray does not provide sufficient detail
• Spinal assessment — disc herniation, spinal stenosis, vertebral fractures
• Pre-surgical planning — providing detailed anatomical maps before orthopaedic or spinal surgery

Vascular

• CT angiography (CTA) — assessing blood vessel integrity, aneurysms, and vascular occlusion
• CT coronary angiography (CTCA) — non-invasive imaging of the coronary arteries for cardiac risk assessment

CT With and Without Contrast

Some CT scans require an intravenous contrast agent — a liquid injected into a vein in your arm that highlights blood vessels and certain tissues on the images. Your GP or the radiologist will determine whether contrast is needed based on the clinical question.

CT without contrast is used for many bone, lung, and kidney stone assessments. CT with contrast is typically used for vascular studies, abdominal organ assessment, and cancer staging.

If contrast is required:

• You may be asked to fast for 2 to 4 hours before the scan
• A blood test (eGFR) may be needed to check kidney function before contrast is administered
• You may experience a brief warm flush or metallic taste when the contrast is injected — this is normal and passes within seconds
• Allergic reactions to contrast are uncommon but possible — advise the team if you have a history of contrast allergy

What to Expect on the Day

A CT scan is a quick, non-invasive procedure. The scanner is a large, open doughnut shape — you lie on a table that slides through the opening. The scan itself typically takes only a few minutes.

• You will be asked to remove jewellery and metal objects from the scan area
• You may be asked to change into a gown depending on the scan location
• If contrast is needed, a cannula will be placed in your arm
• You will be asked to lie still and may need to hold your breath briefly for certain scans
• The radiographer operates the scanner from an adjacent room and can communicate with you throughout
• The entire appointment — including preparation, scanning, and recovery — typically takes 20 to 45 minutes

After Your CT Scan

Most patients can resume normal activities immediately after a CT scan. If contrast was used, you will be encouraged to drink water to help your body clear the contrast agent.

The images are reviewed by a specialist radiologist, who generates a detailed report for your referring doctor. Reports are typically available within 24 to 48 hours. Urgent findings are communicated directly to your referring doctor.

Contact your referring GP to discuss your results and any follow-up that may be needed.

CT Scanning at SmartCare Diagnostics Springfield

SmartCare Diagnostics offers CT scanning at our Springfield Central clinic, with same-day appointments available for many scan types. Our CT service includes:

• CT without contrast — bones, lungs, sinuses, kidney stones
• CT with IV contrast — abdomen, pelvis, chest, organs
• CT angiography (CTA) — vascular assessment
• CT coronary angiography (CTCA) — non-invasive coronary artery imaging
• CT calcium scoring — coronary artery calcium assessment

For eligible Medicare cardholders, many CT scans are bulk billed. A valid referral from your GP or specialist is required.

CT services are currently available at our Springfield clinic. For cardiac diagnostics including echocardiography, stress echo, Holter monitoring, and blood pressure monitoring, services are available at all five SmartCare Diagnostics locations across south-east Queensland.

To book a CT scan or refer a patient, contact SmartCare Diagnostics on bookings@smartcd.com.au or visit smartcd.com.au. Same-day CT appointments available at Springfield.