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CT scanPublished by Bupa's health information team, June 2007 This factsheet is for people who are considering having a CT scan. Your care may differ from what is described here because it is adapted to meet your individual needs.
What's involved?Computerised tomography (CT) uses X-ray equipment and a computer to create detailed images (scans) of the inside of your body such as bones, soft tissues and the brain. The images are black, white and grey and can be seen in three dimensions. The images are either stored on film or kept in a digital format and shown on a computer screen. Why have CT scans?CT scans can help look for signs of inflammation, disease or cancer and monitor many other health conditions. CT scans are routinely done as an out-patient procedure. You should allow about one hour for your appointment. What are the alternatives?Alternative imaging procedures include ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Your doctor will discuss which procedure is most suitable for you. Preparing for your CT scanIf you normally take medication, continue to take this as usual, unless your doctor specifically tells you not to. Please read your appointment letter for instructions on how to prepare for your CT scan. If you have any concerns, please contact your doctor. What to expect at the hospitalA radiographer will operate the scanning equipment. You must tell your radiographer about any medicines you are taking and if you have any allergies, glaucoma or heart disease. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you will be asked if you are pregnant. This test is not recommended for pregnant women, unless there is an urgent medical reason. Please tell your radiographer if you could be pregnant. Contrast mediumDepending on the part of your body being examined, a dye (contrast medium) may be used to make some tissues show up more clearly. These dyes are harmlessly removed from the blood by the kidney and passed out in the urine. If needed, you will have the dye at the beginning of the scan. It will usually be given as an injection into a vein in your arm or hand. If you are having an abdominal or pelvic scan, you may be given a special fluid to drink up to 90 minutes before the scan. The fluid allows the bowel to show up more clearly on the scan. Ask your doctor for advice. Women who are having a pelvic scan may be asked to insert a tampon beforehand to show the exact position of the vagina. This helps to make sure that the best possible picture is produced from the scan. Your radiographer will explain what is involved with the examination and ensure that you are happy to proceed with the CT scan. About the procedureThe procedure can take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the examination. In a private cubicle, you may be asked to remove your clothing and put on a gown. For head scans, you may be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures, hair clips and hearing aids. For other scans you may be asked to remove your jewellery and wrist watch. The scanner is a large machine with a hole in the centre (like a ring). Only the part of your body inside the ring can be scanned. You will be asked to lie on a table that can slide in or out of the ring. Your radiographer will position the table so that the part of your body to be scanned is lying in the centre of the scanner. The table will move backwards or forwards very slowly. The X-ray unit will rotate around you to help produce images from all directions. Your radiographer will operate the scanner from behind a window. He or she will be able to see, hear, and speak to you during the procedure. It can take several minutes for each image to be formed, and it's important to lie very still during the process. At certain points during the scan you may be asked to hold your breath or to swallow.
What to expect afterwardsWhen the scan is complete, the table is moved back out of the scanner and you will be helped down. When you feel ready, you will be able to go home. If you had a contrast injection, you should wait an hour before driving. Try to drink water regularly for the next 24 hours to help flush the dye out of your body. If you are breastfeeding, it is recommended that you wait 24 hours after having a contrast injection before you breastfeed. You may need to express and discard your milk for 24 hours. Please ask your doctor or radiographer for specific advice. ResultsA radiologist, a doctor trained in reading CT scans, will examine the images. A report will be sent to the doctor who requested your test. The report can take several days to reach your doctor. Before you go home, please ask you radiographer when you can expect to get your results. If you haven't been told the results of your scan within two weeks, you should call the doctor who requested your test. What are the risks?CT scans are commonly performed and generally safe. In order to make an informed decision and give your consent, you need to be aware of the possible side-effects and the risk of complications for this procedure. You will be exposed to some X-ray radiation. Level of exposure is about the same as you would receive naturally from the environment over three years. If you are pregnantPregnant women are advised not to have CT scans as there's a risk the radiation may cause some damage to the unborn child. If you could be pregnant, please tell your doctor or radiographer. Side-effectsThese are the unwanted but mostly temporary effects of a successful procedure. Very rarely, you may sense a warm feeling or get a metallic taste in your mouth after having a contrast injection. These side-effects should last only a minute or two. ComplicationsComplications are when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people are not affected. In rare cases, it's possible to have an allergic reaction to the contrast injection. If you experience any itching or difficulty in breathing, tell your radiographer immediately. Medicines are available to treat any allergic reaction. Most people do not mind having part of their body in a CT scanner. But if you feel at all worried about this, please tell your doctor or radiographer. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks of having a CT scan and will also discuss alternatives to the procedure. Further information
Related topicsSources
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional. Publication date: June 2007
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