CT scan Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, July 2009.
Answers to questions about CT scan
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Can children have CT scans?
- How does the level of radiation from a CT scan compare to an X-ray?
- If a CT scan involves more radiation than an X-ray, will I be radioactive?
Can children have CT scans?
Yes, children can have CT scans.
Explanation
It's uncommon for children to need CT scans. However, if there is a good medical reason, a child can have a CT scan in the same way that an adult does. However, children may need to be given a sedative - this relieves anxiety and will help them to relax - or a general anaesthetic before the scan. This is to make sure that they stay still during the scan. A sedative may be given to your child as either a tablet or an injection.
Most radiology departments have special sessions for scanning children, with specially trained and experienced staff who will make the procedure as comfortable and easy as possible.
Sources
- CT scan. A guide for patients and carers. Brain and Spine Foundation. www.brainandspine.org.uk, accessed 20 March 2009
- Tests for children's cancers. Macmillan Cancer Support. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
How does the level of radiation from a CT scan compare to an X-ray?
The amount of radiation used for a CT scan is much higher than for a normal X-ray.
Explanation
The amount of radiation used to do a CT scan is greater than with a plain X-ray because many individual X-rays are taken to build up detailed CT images. For example, a CT scan of the head uses a dose of radiation of almost 30 times that of a plain skull X-ray.
However, it's worth remembering that you're exposed to natural background radiation all the time. This mainly comes from outer space and also from radioactive material in the ground. For a CT scan of your head the amount of radiation works out to be only as much as the level of exposure you would receive naturally from the environment in one year, and four and a half years for a CT scan of your abdomen and pelvis.
If you're concerned about the risk from radiation and how it compares to the benefits of having a scan, speak to your doctor, who can, if necessary, talk to the radiologist. He or she should be happy to reassure you.
Further information
- Health Protection Agency
www.hpa.org.uk
Sources
- Information for patients having a CT scan. The Royal College of Radiologists. www.rcr.ac.uk, accessed 27 February 2009
- Medical radiation FAQs. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 20 March 2009
If a CT scan involves more radiation than an X-ray, will I be radioactive?
No, you aren't radioactive after exposure to X-rays used for CT scanning.
Explanation
The beam of X-rays used to make CT images is only present while you're being scanned. Once the scan is complete, there are no X-rays left in the room and none come out of your body.
Some other medical procedures use radioactive materials. For example, radioactive iodine can be used to treat an overactive thyroid. You will be given detailed information about not having close contact with other people for a few days after this treatment. These concerns don't apply when having CT scans.
Further information
- The Royal College of Radiologists
www.rcr.ac.uk
Sources
- Medical radiation FAQs. Health Protection Agency. www.hpa.org.uk, accessed 26 February 2009
- Therapy - nuclear medicine. Health Physics Society. www.hps.org, accessed 27 February 2009
Related topics
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: July 2009
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