Computed Tomography (CT)
A computed tomography (CT) is a fast and non-invasive test which uses x-rays and computer technology to produce detailed 2D and 3D images of your body for a more accurate assessment of your internal tissues and organs.
A CT scan can be used to diagnose a wide range of abnormalities throughout the body. We offer CT scans of the brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis, specific solid organs, bones, soft tissues, and more. A CT scan may be a good alternative option for patients who do not qualify for MRI due to a contraindication (such as a metal implant).
In addition, computed tomography can be a very useful screening tool to detect certain diseases before they become clinically apparent. These preventative imaging scans can examine your heart, circulatory system, lungs, and colon for early detection of diseases such as cancer.
Insight Medical Imaging provides CT Screening services at our state-of-the-art facility at our West Edmonton location in the Meadowlark Shopping Centre.
- 200 Meadowlark Shopping CTR NW Edmonton, AB T5R 5W9
- 780-489-8430
- Monday - Friday: 7:30 AM - 4:00 PM
What To Expect During A CT Scan
A CT scan is generally a very fast examination. After checking in at the front desk and changing into appropriate clothing for the exam, you will meet with one of our CT technologists. Depending on the question your doctor has asked, you may require an IV before beginning the study. The CT portion of the study generally takes less than a minute but may take longer depending on the clinical question and the way in which the study may need to be performed.
Very rarely, iodinated contrast can cause an allergic reaction, most commonly resulting in hives or a rash. Before your computed tomography exam, please let your technologist know if you have an iodine allergy.
Some of our screening scans, such as virtual colonoscopy, coronary calcium scoring, coronary CT angiography, and lung CT scans, will have slightly different procedures and preparation. If you have any questions about CT imaging, you can reach out to one of our patient care coordinators or contact our team today.
How Much Does a CT Cost?
The cost for a CT typically ranges from $249 to $949, but this price may vary if additional sequences are needed to provide a complete exam. Our exam prices are very competitive and we make every effort to provide you with an accurate cost estimate.
While community-based services such as private CT are not covered by Alberta Health Care, certain insurance or employer benefit plans with a health spending account may cover either a large portion or possibly the entire scan cost.
More specific information on CT pricing can be found below.
CT Price List
| Head | $249 |
| Temporal Bones | $499 |
| Orbits | $249 |
| Facial Bones | $299 |
| Sinus Navigator | $249 |
| Neck Soft Tissue | $399* |
| CTA Head and Neck | $499* |
| Cervical Spine | $299 |
| Thoracic Spine | $299 |
| Lumbar Spine | $299 |
| Chest (low dose, lung cancer screening) | $299 |
| Chest (routine, non-contrast) | $299 |
| CTA Chest/ Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm (gated) | $649* |
| CTA Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis (dissection, non-gated) | $949* |
| Cardiac Calcium Scoring | $299 |
| Coronary CTA | $599* |
| Chest/Abdomen/Pelvis | $699* |
| Abdomen/Pelvis Routine | $399* |
| CTA Abdomen/Pelvis | $549* |
| Pelvis Only | $249 |
| Adrenal (non-contrast) | $249 |
| Adrenal (contrast) | $549* |
| Renal Colic (low-dose) | $299 |
| Renal Mass/Hematuria | $549* |
| Enterography | $649* |
| Virtual Colonoscopy | $449 |
| Virtual Colonoscopy (contrast) | $548* |
| Single Bone/Joint | $249 |
| SI Joints | $249 |
| Arthrogram (Private) | Call for pricing |
| Arthrogram (Third Party) | $849 |
| Runoff | $1,499 |
| Add-on Contrast | $99 |
* Includes Contrast
Multiple exams performed in the same visit receive 10% off exams
Seniors or return CT patients receive 10% off exams
(Discounts cannot be combined)
For more information, speak to our Central Booking department at 780-669-2222.
Prices subject to change at any time without notice.
Important Notes
- It is crucial that you are not pregnant, as the scanner emits ionizing radiation.
- Please let our team know if you are breastfeeding, as this may influence the administration of contrast.
- At the time of booking, tell us if you are taking any diabetes medications, are diabetic, or have experienced previous renal failure, myeloma, pheochromocytoma, or allergies to iodine compounds.
- Note that CT exams performed outside of the hospital are a private service and costs are not reimbursed by Alberta Health Services.
Computed Tomography FAQs
A computed tomography (CT) scan uses X-rays to produce incredibly detailed, cross-sectional images of your body for a more accurate assessment of your internal tissues and organs. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses radiology to form pictures of areas inside the body. CT is an excellent option for patients who do not qualify for MRI scans because they have certain pacemakers or aneurysm clips or a metal implant in their body that is not safe under specific magnetic exposure.
No, a CT scan does not hurt. If a dye is used, you may feel a quick sting or pinch when the IV is started. The dye may make you feel warm and flushed and give you a metallic taste in your mouth. The experts at Insight Medical Imaging work to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout the procedure.
CT scans do not take very long and can take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. The time is dependent on the specific area of the body being scanned, and the type of dye used- it often takes more time to get one into position when constraint dye is used. Our specialists at Insight Medical Imaging walk you through the whole process.
Generally, you do not need to fast prior to a CT scan. Your doctor will provide you with any special instructions ahead of time so as to relieve any questions. Additionally, specific exam preparation instructions will be sent to you after booking our exam with Insight.
No, since CT uses x-rays to acquire the images, only the person having the exam is in the room during imaging. Any friends, family, or acquaintances are free to wait outside due to the restrictions put in place during the pandemic. Our technicians, however, will be close by.
Yes, you are free to talk during the course of the CT scan. If you have any questions, or simply wish to pass the time, our technicians will be right there. However, it is very important to stay very still so as to capture the image correctly.
Insight Medical Imaging works meticulously to ensure that the health and safety of all of our patients and staff are guaranteed during the imaging process. Generally speaking, should our radiologist deem a contrast injection to be necessary to take the best possible images for your diagnostic or medical scans, it will be injected intravenously through your arm during the exam.
To help the iodine-based contrast leave your body, we recommend that you increase your fluid intake after your exam.
For patients who require frequent imaging exams, Insight works diligently to ensure that radiation exposure is kept as low as reasonably achievable. To learn more about how we follow ALARA principles and what protective measures we have in place, please review our article on Protecting Patients Who Need Frequent Medical Imaging!
At Insight Medical Imaging, we are committed to ensuring that you are provided with the best medical diagnostic imaging services possible while in our care, and this includes looking out for your health and safety. We follow Health Canada’s guidelines for radiation safety and have policies in place to keep everyone safe during your exam. Some of the steps we take to protect you during your computed tomography include:
- Limiting the size of x-ray beams and restricting imaging to only the diagnostic area of interestÂ
- Providing patients with protective shielding to limit bodily radiation exposure
- Specialized equipment for children to ensure their exposure is kept at a bare minimum
Planning your next appointment? Learn more about Computed Tomography exam preparation and get directions to our CT clinic.
CT Exams:
Head CT
Spine CT - Cervical, Lumbar, Thoracic
Coronary Angiogram CT
Coronary Calcium Score
Chest CT
Abdomen CT
Pelvic CT
Virtual Colonoscopy
Whole Body CT
Joint CT
Extremity CT