Having a CT scan

If you’ve never had a CT scan you might not know what to expect and this brief guide is designed to answer the questions that might be in your mind.

Before you arrive

• If we’re scanning your abdomen or pelvis, we might ask you to drink a certain amount of water or contrast agent ; you will be given details if this is necessary.
• It might be necessary for you to stop eating or drinking for a specified time before your scan; you will be given the details if this is necessary.
• Please wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Please confirm your appointment prior to your scan if requested and arrive in plenty of time.
• Please let us know if you have any disabilities so that we can ensure we are able to offer you the highest quality service

Preparation for the scan

• Once you’ve checked in at reception (don’t forget to bring your appointment letter), a member of the radiography team will meet you, explain the procedure and ask you to sign a consent form.
• We might ask you to change into a hospital gown. We’ll provide somewhere to store your personal possessions. You’ll be looked after by the radiography team throughout the procedure – they will explain what’s happening and will be there if you experience any discomfort.
• You’ll have the opportunity to ask any questions about the procedure.
• We might need to give you an injection (known as a contrast medium) to increase the amount of information we can get from the scan. Depending on the area we're scanning, we might ask you to drink the contrast medium instead of injecting it – in this case you might have to wait for anything up to an hour before you can be scanned.
• You need to let the Radiographer know if you've ever reacted to an injection given for a kidney X-ray (IVP or IVU) or a previous CT scan.

During the scan

• The Radiographer operating the scanner will be able to see and hear you throughout the procedure.
• We’ll ask you to lie down on the scanner bed and we'll make sure you're comfortable so you can stay as still as possible – we might have to ask you to hold your breath or not to swallow when the scanner is taking the images.
• Most scan sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes.
• You’re welcome to bring a friend or a relative with you, but for safety reasons we won’t allow them into the examination room.

After the scan

• There are no restrictions on normal activity – you can eat and drink normally, drive and return to work immediately after the scan.
• If we’ve given you a contrast medium injection there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction so. we’ll ask you to stay with us for half an hour after the scan.
• A Radiologist will examine the images shortly after your visit and send a report to your Doctor or Consultant, normally within a few days.
• For ethical and professional reasons, we cannot discuss results with you. Only your Doctor or Consultant can do this.