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1. What is a CT scan?
CT scan stands for computed tomography scan. Previously it was called CAT scan, which was ‘Computed Axial Tomography’ scan. CT scan procedure uses x-rays to view the internal organs of the body similar to the MRI scan. This procedure is a painless procedure. A CT scan takes a series of image slices of the body part.
CT Scan - Computed Tomography Scan
CT scanner designed for children
2. Why is a CT scan performed?
CT scans are known to have more detailed images compared to a normal x-ray. As general x-ray only provides a 2-dimensional image of the body, doctors will not be able to diagnose as accurately compared to a CT scan as it provides 2 and 3 Dimensional images.
3. What preparations are needed for a CT scan?
Generally there will not be any preparation needed unless stated by the doctor or radiographer. Depending on the type of scan being performed, the preparations may vary.
Children and infants may be given general anaesthetic or mild sedation to ensure they do not move while the scan is being done. This will be arranged between the referring doctor, the parents and the radiographer. If sedation is required, the child will not be allowed to consume any food and liquid at a certain point before the scan to ensure the stomach is empty. Any known allergies and reaction that the child has should be informed to the radiographer.
Prior to the scan being performed, you will need to sign a consent form stating that you allow for the scan to be done.
4. What happens during a CT scan?
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and all metal objects will be removed prior going into the room. You will be lying on a narrow table that moves into this doughnut-shape equipment. As there will not be anyone else in the room, an intercom is provided to you to communicate with the radiographer during the whole process. During the whole procedure, if at any time you feel claustrophobic, you may talk through the intercom to alert the radiographer. The table may move during the procedure but it will not touch you during the procedure.
5. What is Contrast Injection?
Contrast injection is similar to a dye injected into the veins to allow doctor’s to visualise a
clearer and brighter stream of blood when the image is produced. There are a few symptoms to the contrast dye such as feeling as though you may have wet your pants as this is due to the flow of the contrast dye around the blood stream and the taste of metal in the mouth. However these symptoms varies across patients. If you do feel there is chest tightening during the procedure after the dye is injected, do inform the radiographer.
6. What happens after the CT scan?
You are able to resume to your daily activities and return to work as soon as the procedure is finished. If the test took longer than expected, you should look out for light-headedness and fainting when you sit or stand up. The results will be sent to the referring doctor and a follow up appointment will be scheduled to discuss the results.
7. Are there any risks?
This procedure is safe as it will be under close supervision of the radiographer. Complications may arise from the allergic reaction caused by the dye injection. However immediate
Sometimes you may be asked to stop the intake of food at a certain point of time or you may be injected with a contrast dye into the blood stream similar to the MRI scan. For some scans you will be asked to drink a liquid over one hour before the scan time, to make sure that your bowels show up on the images.
During the test, you may be asked to keep very still. There will also be times, the radiographer will ask you to hold your breath to ensure a good image is captured. The table may move slightly each time to get different pictures of the body.
treatment is given to the patient when there is an allergic reaction. These allergic reactions are due to your body reaction to the dye injected in the body thinking it is a foreign and harmful substance. It is very important to read the consent form carefully before any procedure.
If you may be pregnant, please do inform your doctor and radiographer prior before undergoing this scan.
