the scan itself

Removal of clothing may be necessary if metallic zips or fasteners are present as these can affect the quality of the scan images. Disposable dressing gowns are supplied by the Centre or you can bring your own. For examinations of the head, earrings, hairclips, glasses etc need to be removed.

The radiographer, the person who performs the scan, will explain the procedure to you clearly before commencing the scan. You will be asked to lie flat on the scanning couch. Only the part of your body being examined is positioned inside the scanner opening. Once you are comfortably positioned the radiographer will leave the room. The radiographer controls the examination from the scanner console in the control room adjoining the scanner room. There is a large window through which the staff will watch you during the scan. You can talk to the staff via the two-way intercom system housed inside the scanner. You will be asked to lie still and relax. The scanner makes a whirring noise during the scan and the scanning couch will move very slowly.

The actual scan times are very short, only a few seconds long. You will be in the scanning room for about 10 minutes. The radiographer is with you in the scanning room for most of the time apart from the few seconds when the actual scans are taking place.

Intravenous contrast media
In some cases CT contrast media, containing iodine may be injected into a vein in the arm or hand. It is used to make specific organs and blood vessels show up more clearly on the CT images. During the injection common side effects may occur e.g. a warm flushed feeling over the body or a metallic taste in the mouth. These sensations last for a few seconds.

Mild reactions such as nausea, vomiting or hives may also occur, but serious allergic reactions are very rare. Staff working in the Centre are trained to manage any allergic reactions to contrast media if they arise. Patients are asked if they have a history of asthma, allergies, diabetes, heart or kidney problems prior to being given intra-venous contrast media.

After the scan
After the scan the CT staff will make sure you are comfortable and ready to go home. There are no adverse side effects to the scan so you can eat, drink and drive normally. The radiographer does not give you the scan report. The scan is interpreted by the radiologist after the examination. This takes quite some time, as there are often a large number of images to review. A report will be sent within a few days to the doctor who referred you for the scan. You must see your referring doctor to obtain the result.