CT: a guide to your scan

What is a CT scan?

CT means "computed tomography". It uses X-rays to produce a cross-sectional, or "slice", image of the inside of your body.

Who will I see?

A small team of radiography staff will look after you during your visit, and one of the radiographers will carry out the scan.

Is it safe?

The amount of radiation used varies. The radiation related risks are very small, and the risk of missing a serious problem by not having the scan can be much higher.

If you are, or think you may be, pregnant, you should tell us before your scan.

Do I need an injection?

Many CT scans involve an injection of a substance (known as a contrast medium) into a vein, to increase the amount of information we can get from the scan. The injection may give you a warm feeling around your body and a metallic taste in your mouth. As with all injections, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction, ranging from minor reactions such as a skin rash to more serious ones such as an asthma attack. Our medical teams are trained to deal with this if it happens. If you have reacted to any other injection given for a kidney X-ray (IVP or IVU) or a previous CT scan, please let the radiographer know before the injection takes place.

Before the scan

We will ask you some safety questions when you book your appointment, and you will need to fill in a safety questionnaire that we will send you with your appointment letter. Please remember to bring this with you to your appointment.

To help show different organs in the body, some preparation may be necessary, and if it is, your appointment letter will have information about it. You do not need to prepare specially for brain, neck or chest scans. We may ask you to drink a certain amount of fluid or a special drink before having an abdomen or pelvis scan.

There are a few instructions to follow before the scan:

• Do not eat or drink if you have been told not to. This only applies to some scans, and we will give you more detail when you book your appointment.
• Tell us if you are diabetic and taking metformin.
• Tell us if you have any allergies or asthma, or if you have reacted to any other injection given for a kidney X-ray (IVP or IVU) or a previous CT scan.
• Tell us if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing.
• Tell us about any special circumstances, for example if you need wheelchair access, if you are hard of hearing, if you have poor eyesight or if you are claustrophobic.

What happens during my appointment?

• When you arrive you should go to the reception desk. Bring your appointment letter with you: it may say who to ask for.
• The radiographer or another member of staff will meet you and explain the procedure to you.
• We will check your safety questionnaire, or ask you to fill one in if you have not already.
• You will have the chance to ask any questions.
• For some types of CT scan, we will ask you to drink a special contrast drink up to an hour before your scan.
• We may ask you to change into a gown. If you need to change, your clothes and personal items will be kept in a secure place.
• We may need to give you an injection, depending on the area being scanned.
• We will take you into the scanning room and ask you to lie on the scanning table.
• We will move the table slowly so that the part of the body being scanned is under the scanner.
• We may ask you to hold your breath or not to swallow during the scan.
• The radiographer operating the scanner can see and hear you throughout.

Will it be uncomfortable?

We will make you as comfortable as possible. The scan itself does not hurt. You may be given an injection.

How long will it take?

If you are given a drink when you arrive, you may need to wait an hour before your scan. Most scans take around 45 minutes.

After the scan

• You can eat and drink normally after your scan.
• If you have had an injection, we will ask you to wait in reception for 30 minutes after your examination, in case you react to it.
• You can drive home afterwards and return to work if you need to.

Are there any side effects?

There are no known side effects from having a CT scan.

When will I get the results?

A radiologist will check the scan results shortly after your appointment and will send a report to your doctor or consultant. At the time of your appointment you will be told how long this should take.

If a follow up appointment is not already arranged, you will need to contact your doctor or consultant to make an appointment to get your results.

Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

Yes, but they will only be allowed into the examination room in special circumstances, for safety reasons.

Children will not be allowed into the room while you are having the scan, so you will need to make arrangements for them before you come to your appointment. Staff are unable to assist.

Contacting us

If you need any more information, please call the imaging facility on 01792 606 420, or the number on your appointment letter.