Computed Tomography (CT Scan)

What is Computed Tomography (CT Scan)?

Computed Tomography uses multiple X-ray images to produce fine cross-sectional images of the part of the body being investigated. A CT scan uses X-rays and digital computer technology to obtain these cross-sectional images of the bones, blood vessels and soft tissues inside your body. These scans provide more detailed images than a plain X-ray image.

CT at Noosa Radiology

Our Siemens TwinBeam Dual Energy CT scanner delivers groundbreaking dual-energy imaging in a single scan, offering unmatched precision and enhanced diagnostic insight.

TwinBeam technology, captures two energy levels simultaneously, allowing us to differentiate and analyse tissues, structures, and materials with greater clarity and detail.​

Dual-energy imaging provides detailed material differentiation, crucial for complex cases in oncology, vascular imaging, and more.​

TwinBeam captures high-quality dual-energy images in one scan, reducing scan time and patient exposure. We can obtain insights into tissue composition and enhance diagnostic confidence with advanced imaging capabilities.

Preparing for your examination

Please be aware that most CT scans require an appointment. Please call us to arrange an appointment.​

What to bring:

  • A referral from your GP or specialist​
  • Medicare card​
  • Pension/concession card​

It is important to inform your Doctor and the Noosa Radiology Staff if:​

  • You have any allergies to iodine contrast (X-ray dye)​
  • You have kidney problems​
  • You are diabetic and are taking medications​

Please tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.​

Most CT examinations require preparation including fasting and being well hydrated. Our staff will make you aware of all preparation when booking your appointment​.

Reasons for CT

CT scans are useful for angiograms, coronary arteries, brain/sinus, spine, heart, chest and abdomen examinations.​

Every day adults with no symptoms of heart disease fall victim to the “silent killer”. With this new technology your GP or specialist can request a CT scan of the heart and chest that will give you a measure of your heart health before any symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath occur. Consider it a one-stop heart check-up with an analysis of the coronary arteries, valves, ventricular analysis, myocardial mass, plaque morphology and lung parenchyma. Prior to 64 detector CT technology, assessment of the coronary arteries was only available by inserting a catheter into a leg artery, which generally involves day admission to hospital.​

CT Colonography is a new minimally invasive test in screening for colon cancer. It is an excellent alternative for patients who have clinical factors that increase the risk of complications from colonoscopy. No sedation or analgesia is required. CT colonography provides detailed 2D and 3D images of the colon, and can identify polyps as small as 5mm in size, with much greater accuracy than a conventional barium enema.​

What to expect

On arrival you may be asked to fill out an iodine contrast consent form. You may be provided with a gown to wear instead of your own clothes. You will be asked to remove:​

All metal objects in the region of interest including​:

  • Jewellery​
  • Glasses​
  • Dentures​
  • Hearing aids​

In the imaging room, you will be helped onto a padded table which will move during the study to position you for the pictures. Each study normally takes only 5 – 10 seconds. As you are moved through the CT scanner, an X-ray tube and detectors rotate around your body.​

During the examination you may hear humming or clicking sounds from the CT machine. The table moves to position you for the images. Your job during the examination is simply to relax and not move.​

Our equipment utilises the latest radiation reduction techniques and the risks at these exposure levels are thought to be very small and outweighed by the information obtained by performing the scan. TwinBeam captures high-quality dual-energy images in one scan, reducing scan time and patient exposure. This means the system provides the best image quality at the lowest possible dose. ​

When can you get your results?

The images obtained are digitally recorded. At Noosa Radiology our highly trained and qualified radiologists interpret the images and provide a report for your doctor and/or referring health care provider usually within 24 hours, although depending on the complexity of the scan this may take a little longer.​

You will need to make a follow up appointment to discuss the results with your referring practitioner. Your doctor can access your report and images electronically via a secure portal and you will be able to access your images via our patient portal.

Related information

Upcoming closure:

Please note we will be closed in observance of
Australia Day public holiday on Monday, 26 January.

Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, 27 January.

Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday.

Upcoming closure:

Please note we will be closed in observance of the QLD
King’s Birthday holiday on Monday, 6 October.

Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, 7 October.

Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday.

Upcoming closure:

Please note our adjusted hours over the
Christmas & New Year period.

Thursday 25 December 2025: Closed
Friday 26 December 2025: Closed
Saturday 27 December 2025: Closed
Sunday 28 December 2025: Closed

MONDAY 29 DECEMBER 2025: OPEN 8AM to 5PM
TUESDAY 30 DECEMBER 2025: OPEN 8AM to 5PM
WEDNESDAY 31 DECEMBER 2025: OPEN 8AM to 5PM

Thursday 1 January 2026: Closed
Friday 2 January 2026: Closed
Saturday 3 January 2026: Closed
Sunday 4 January 2026: Closed

Normal hours resume from Monday, 4 January 2026.
Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful Christmas & New Year celebration.

Upcoming closure:

Please note that our clinics will be closed on Monday, 5 May for the Labour Day public holiday.

Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, 6 May

Thank you for your understanding and we wish you a safe and relaxing holiday!

Upcoming closure:

Please note we will be closed in observance of
ANZAC Day on Friday, 25 April.

Lest We Forget

Thank you for your understanding. Normal hours resume from Saturday, 26 April.

Upcoming closure:

Please note our adjusted hours over the Easter period.

Good Friday (April 18): Closed
Easter Saturday (April 19) Closed
Easter Sunday (April 20): Closed
Easter Monday (April 21): Closed

Normal hours resume from Tuesday, 22 April.
Wishing you and your family a safe and joyful Easter!

Upcoming closure:

Due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred to our community, we will be closed on Friday 7th March and Saturday 8th March for the safety of our staff and patients. We apologise for any inconvenience and will reopen on Monday 10th March.