CT

What you Need to Know

CT stands for computed tomography. It uses a beam of x-rays that moves around you as you lie on a scanner to produce a cross-sectional, or thin ‘slice’ images of the inside of your body allowing doctors to clearly view the area of interest. CT can also eliminate other images of structures not required to be scanned to enable the focus to be on the specific area of interest. The images are processed by a computer and are seen as slices on the computer screen. It is a good tool for dense tissue including bone exams.

For patients, it provides for a relatively safe and less invasive procedure that has become a vital tool in diagnosis.

F.A.Q

-F.A.Q: What is a CT?

-F.A.Q: How long does a CT take?

-F.A.Q: Is a CT safe?

-F.A.Q: Who will perform my scan?

-F.A.Q: How should I prepare for my CT scan?

-F.A.Q: After the CT scan

-F.A.Q: What should I expect when having a CT scan?

-F.A.Q: When will I get the results?

-F.A.Q: Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

-What is a CT?

CT stands for computed tomography. It uses a beam of x-rays that moves around you as you lie on a scanner to produce a cross-sectional, or thin ‘slice’ images of the inside of your body allowing doctors to clearly view the area of interest. CT can also eliminate other images of structures not required to be scanned to enable the focus to be on the specific area of interest. The images are processed by a computer and are seen as slices on the computer screen. It is a good tool for dense tissue including bone exams.

For patients, it provides for a relatively safe and less invasive procedure that has become a vital tool in diagnosis.

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-How long does a CT take?

Depending upon the body part being examined, the CT can take up to 20 minutes or a couple of seconds.

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-Is a CT safe?

CT scanning uses x-rays so there is some exposure to radiation which will normally be more that you would be exposed to with an ordinary x-ray but will vary depending upon the type of CT scan completed. The risk is very small and the potential risk of a serious problem if you don’t have the scan is much higher.
If you are or think that you might be pregnant, you should contact our team in advance of your scan.

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-Who will perform my scan?

Your CT scan will be performed by one of our team of friendly radiographers.

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-How should I prepare for my CT scan?

Depending on the area of the body to be scanned, you may need to fast for your scan. Our team will advise you in advance if there are any special preparations that you must complete before your scan.
Some CT examinations may require you to drink or have an injection of a dye or contrast agent to improve the clarity of the information and the image received on your scan. The injection will be similar to a small pin prick and you will feel nothing unusual after the injection other than possibly a warm feeling passing around your body. You should inform the radiographer if you suffer from any allergies or have any problems with your heart, liver or kidneys or an infection.

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-After the CT scan

You can eat and drink normally following your scan. In most cases you will be well enough to drive home afterwards. You will be advised when booking in if there is a need for you to be collected.

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-What should I expect when having a CT scan?

On your arrival for your CT scan, you will firstly complete the registration process with our receptionist and also a short questionnaire. One of our radiographer team will then bring you to the examination room, ensure that you are comfortable and explain what is going to happen as part of the scan. If you need to take any clothes off for your scan, you will be shown a private changing room / area where you will be asked to put on a gown. You will be provided with a tray to put your personal items into and which you can keep with you.
You will be asked to lie on a table which when you are ready will move very slowly through a short length x-ray tube. This x-ray tube then moves slowly around the area of your body which is being scanned sending x-rays through it - (you will hear the machine moving but you will not see it). These x-rays are then picked up by numerous sensors arranged around you on the table. This information is sent to a powerful computer, where the images then can be viewed on a screen. You must remain absolutely still during the scan. Sometimes contrast may be taken as a drink and for injection, which helps outline vessels and more clearly define the internal anatomy.
Your radiographer will leave the room during the scan but they can see you at all times and will communicate to you by means of an intercom during the scan.

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-When will I get the results?

The images captured will be sent to the radiologist who will send the final report to your doctor. You will need to make an appointment with your doctor or consultant who will explain your results to you.

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-Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

Yes but for safety reasons, they will not be allowing into the examination room with you during your scan.

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