A CT scan produces detailed cross-sectional images (like slices in a loaf of bread) through the area of the body under investigation. The parts of the body can be shown in much greater detail than in standard X-ray films and are frequently used to help diagnose or investigate a wide range of conditions and injuries.

The CT is an open scanner and is shaped like a doughnut. You will lie on a moveable bed and pass through the ‘doughnut.’ A narrow, fan-shaped beam of X-rays is produced from inside the machine, which rotates 360 degrees around you. The X-rays pass through your body and are detected by electronic sensors on the other side of the machine. The information from the machine then passes to a computer, which produces a picture of the structure of the inside of your body.

When you arrive in the department you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and will be taken into the CT room where the scan will be explained to you. During the scan you will lie on a bed which moves through the scanner. You may be administered an intra-venous contrast injection to highlight blood vessels and/or specific anatomy (this is NOT radioactive). However, this isn’t always necessary and is dependent on the scan you are undertaking. The injection usually causes a warm feeling around your body, which will be explained to you at the start of the scan, when you will be able to ask any questions you may have.

Once the scan has finished, you will be able to change into your clothes and return home/to work. However, if you have a contrast injection, you will be asked to stay in the department for approximately 20 min. It is important to increase the amount of fluids you drink for the rest of the day to flush out the contrast agent.

The CT scan will take approximately 20 minutes. If you are given contrast, please allow up to 45 minutes in the department.

We are all subject to natural radiation from the atmosphere on a daily basis, and X-ray procedures involve exposure to additional radiation in varying amounts. The amount of radiation used for a CT scan is more than the amount that is used for a standard X-ray and (depending on the examination you have) is equal to the natural radiation you would receive from the atmosphere over a period of around three years. A large amount of additional radiation can increase the chance of developing cancer. However, the amount of radiation is kept to a minimum, and the risk of the additional radiation has to be balanced against the possibility of missing a serious disorder by not having the scan. Patients who are or might be pregnant must inform a member of staff. If you have any questions regarding this, please speak to a Radiographer or Radiologist.

Your scans will be reported by a Consultant Radiologist and made available to your referring Consultant/GP routinely within 48 hours.

If you are unable to attend your appointment, 48 hours’ notice is required to cancel or rebook; otherwise, you may be charged the full cost of the appointment.

Patients are responsible for their own belongings at all times. As you may be asked to remove jewellery, it is preferred that these are not worn to your appointment.

Please note we do not have any facilities for looking after children. Please could you kindly make alternative arrangements for the duration of your appointment.

If you would like to be accompanied by a chaperone, please inform a member of staff on your arrival.