Computed Tomography (CT) scans, also called CAT scans, use X-rays and advanced computer processing to create 3D pictures of cross-sections, or “slices,” of the inside of your body. CT scans capture detailed images to aid in the timely diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions. 

Using a series of X-rays taken from many different angles, CT scans provide a comprehensive 360-degree view of almost every part of the body. Cross-sectional imaging allows us to painlessly detect bone fractures and abnormalities in your organs, tissues and blood vessels. 

At The University of Vermont Medical Center, our comprehensive CT scanning service is available for both routine and urgent imaging needs in outpatient, inpatient and emergency department settings. Our expert radiology team is made up of certified technologists skilled in performing CT scanning procedures and knowledgeable radiologists who specialize in reading and interpreting CT exams.  

Highlights of our CT scanning services include: 

  • State-of-the-art technology: The more slices, or images, a CT scanner can take, the greater the chances of uncovering the precise source of your medical condition. We use leading-edge CT equipment with capabilities ranging from 64-slice to 256-slice configurations. For your safety and comfort, we continually enhance our CT systems with the latest software upgrades to provide faster and improved imaging as well as lower-dose radiation exposure. 
  • Advanced cardiac imaging: Our comprehensive CT services feature sophisticated cardiac CT scans of your heart and blood vessels to diagnose a variety of conditions, such a coronary artery disease. The UVM Medical Center offers Ultrafast CT scanning, which produces images of the beating heart and can reveal potentially harmful calcium deposits in your coronary arteries.
  • 24/7 emergency CT coverage: If a UVM Medical Center radiologist is not on-site to interpret a scan, we utilize a tele-radiology service for emergency CT scans. vRad is a U.S.-based service employing only American College of Radiology certified radiologists. 

Conditions we treat with CT scans

The detailed visualization of nearly every area of your body makes CT scans a valuable tool for quickly diagnosing disease or internal injuries from accidents, falls and other types of trauma. We routinely perform CT scans to detecting and guide treatment for a range of health issues, such as: 

  • Aneurysms 
  • Blood clots 
  • Bone fractures 
  • Cancer 
  • Heart disease 
  • Internal bleeding 
  • Tumors 

What to expect from a CT scan

Most CT scans don't require special preparation, but some do, depending on the part of your body being scanned. Some exams may require the IV injection of a contrast agent to optimize the picture quality of vascular structures such as the arteries, liver, spleen, kidneys or bladder. For CT scans of your abdomen or pelvis, you may need to drink a liquid preparation in advance of your appointment. For those and other CT scans, you may be asked to not eat or drink before the test and or undergo blood work. Be sure to follow any special instructions you receive from our radiology team.  

Before the exam starts, you will need to remove all metal objects from your body, including jewelry, dentures, hearing aids and diabetic monitoring devices. 

During the CT scan, you will lie on a moveable table and be asked to hold still. The table will slide into the CT machine to find the right starting position. An X-ray tube (called the X-ray sensing unit) rotates within the CT machine and around your body. The table then slowly moves forward as the scanner takes pictures. Finally, a computer analyzes and combines these X-rays to create 3D images with precise detail of the area of your body that was scanned.  

If you are pregnant, think you are pregnant or there’s a chance you could be pregnant, please notify the technologist before your exam. 

Awards and certifications

American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT)

At the UVM Medical Center, all of our state-licensed radiologic technologists have passed the rigorous requirements leading to American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification. Awarded by the world’s largest organization offering credentials in medical imaging, this globally recognized certification ensures that our staff is qualified to provide you with the highest standard of care. Many of our team members are trained in multiple radiologic specialties.

Our Locations
UVM Medical Center

CT (CAT) Scan - ACC-EP3

 (802) 847-4822

111 Colchester Avenue
Main Campus, McClure, Level 1
Burlington, VT 05401

Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Anesthesiology - Fanny Allen Campus

CT (CAT) Scan - Fanny Allen Campus

 (802) 847-7519

790 College Parkway
Fanny Allen Campus
Colchester, VT 05446

Monday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM