CT SCAN
IMPORTANT GENERAL POINTS:
- In many cases you will be asked to drink either water or a specialised liquid to outline the bowel before your scan: this will not delay your scan time, you will have been asked to come early for this purpose.
- A full bladder is not essential for every scan so if you need to go to the toilet please ask a member of staff.
- You may be in the CT department for up to 2 hours so please ensure you allow for this when planning your day and paying for car parking.
- We do our best to keep to time and always try and keep patients informed if there are any delays. However, if you feel that you have waited a long time and would like to check on your scan time please speak to member of the radiology staff.
- Please Inform a member of staff you have had a previous allergic reaction to x -ray dye or could be pregnant.
- Remember the scan itself is only half the story. If you have not heard from the hospital or your GP after 4 weeks please make contact with them and ask for your scan results.
BEFORE YOU COME:
Imaging Helpdesk number 01782 679285
- Please contact us on the number above If you think you might be pregnant.
- Please tell us before you come if you have any special needs such as
- Wheelchair access
- Interpreter
- Difficulties with eyesight or hearing Significant mobility problems
- If you think you will need assistance changing into a gown please bring someone with you who can help.
WHAT IS A CT SCAN?
- CT means computerised During the test you will lie on a special table that will move slowly through the scanner. As you move, the scanner will rotate around you taking pictures using x-rays. This information is then processed by a computer and used to build images which show your body in cross section or "slices".
- A CT scanner can see areas of your body that are not seen on ordinary x-rays. The scanner is shaped a bit like a doughnut or polo.
CAN I BRING A RELATIVE OR FRIEND WITH ME?
- You are very welcome to bring someone with you, especially if you think you will need help with getting changed into a gown or if you think you will need help understanding additional information you may be
- Your friend or relative will not be allowed into the scan room with you unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- Please note children will not be allowed into the scan room so please make arrangements for them before you come to your appointment.
WHAT DO I DO ON THE DAY OF THE SCAN?
- Book in at reception and take a seat in the waiting
- Some scans do not require special preparation but PLEASE NOTE IN SOME CASES YOU MAY BE ASKED TO SIT AND DRINK SOME WATER OR A SPECIAL CONTRAST DRINK FOR AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE YOU GO IN especially if you are having an abdomen or pelvis scan.
- Please refer to you appointment letter for specific preparation instructions.
- You may be asked to change in to a gown. We advise that where possible you leave valuables at home.
WHO PERFORMS THE SCAN?
- Your scan will be performed by a specially trained radiographer who works closely with a Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in looking at CT scans and x-rays) to produce the best scan possible for your individual
- When your scan is finished the radiologist will study the images carefully and will then make a written report which is sent to the doctor who requested your test.
- The radiographer will be close throughout your scan, explaining everything to you and answering any questions that you may have.
WILL I NEED AN INJECTION?
- It may be necessary to put a small plastic tube (cannula) into a vein in your arm: this is because sometimes we need to give an injection of a special x-ray dye (contrast medium) to outline the blood vessels more clearly to increase the amount of information we can get from the If this is necessary everything will be explained to you at the time and you will have the opportunity to ask questions before the scan goes ahead.
- The Injection may give you a warm feeling around your body and a metallic taste in your As with all injections there is a small risk of an allergic reaction ranging from a minor reaction such as a skin rash to a more serious reaction such as an asthma attack. Our medical teams are trained to deal with any sort of allergic reaction if it should happen.
If you have had an allergic reaction to an x-ray dye before such as for coronary angiography or a previous CT scan please let the radiographer know.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE SCAN ITSELF?
- In the scan room you will be asked to lie on the scan During the scan the table moves slowly through the scanner taking x-rays as it goes along. You will need to keep very still and may be asked to hold your breath while the pictures are taken.
- The scan itself takes between 5 and 10 minutes but you may be in the department for up to 1 and 1/2 hours so please allow time for this.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
- There are no known side effects from having a CT scan, however there is a very small risk of a delayed allergy-like reaction to the x-ray dye (contrast medium).
- If you do develop any symptoms and are concerned, please contact us for advice, or contact your GP.
- A CT scan involves a small dose of radiation but all steps are taken to keep the dose as small as Radiation can cause health problems in high doses: rest assured that the doctor who has asked for you to have the scan and the radiology team in the CT department feel it is important for the scan to go ahead to make a diagnosis or sometimes to monitor the effects treatment you are having.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE SCAN?
- Once the scan is finished the CT staff will check that they have all the Information they If you have had a cannula put in, someone will come and remove It. You will then be able to leave the department. You can go back to normal activities straight away.
- If you are diabetic and taking metformin it may be necessary for you to stop taking it for 48 hours after your The radiographer doing your scan will Inform you if you need to do this.
HOW DO I GET MY RESULTS?
Remember, your scan is only half the story, your results are the other half. A full written report will be sent to your doctor whom you will be required to see to get your results. If you have not heard anything after 3 weeks, please contact the doctor who referred you for your scan.
CONTACT US
If you:
- have any queries or concerns about your appointment or the preparation for your procedure
- suffer with dyslexia or have visual problems and require this patient Information leaflet with a different background or font we can send this to you on request
- need an Interpreter or have other special circumstances that we can help you with such as hearing or sight problems or difficulties with mobility
Contact the imaging helpdesk on 01782 679285
If you need to cancel or re-arrange your appointment please e-mail us on
imaging.appointments@uhns.nhs.uk
Your feedback is important to us: we would like to hear any feedback (good or bad) via one of the following routes:
- E-mail us on feedback@uhns.nhs.uk
- Fill out a comment card (available in all waiting areas or ask a member of staff) and put it Into one of the comment card boxes at the entrance to the department you are in.
Complete a patient satisfaction survey: this will be handed to you If you come during a survey period or can be requested from the reception staff or via the UHNM website: go to uhnm.nhs.uk/OurServicces/pages/Imaging.aspx
- If you would be willing to be contacted to be Involved In a patient advice and liaison please send your email address to imagingpatient.feedback@uhns.nhs.uk
Data sharing: Any personal information is kept confidential. There may be occasions where your information needs to be shared with other healthcare professionals to ensure you receive the best care possible. In order to help us improve the services we provide your information may be used for clinical audit, research and teaching but will always have all personal information removed.
