Computed Tomography Scan

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - The CT scanner is located in a large room. A narrow table slides into the hollow tube-shaped scanner. You may have an IV line for contrast medication. The contrast medication may be injected prior to the procedure or during the procedure. The CT physician and staff will be in an adjacent room where the equipment controls are located. However, they will be able to see you through a large window and will be monitoring you constantly during the procedure. You will be given a call bell device so that you can let the staff know if you need anything during the procedure. Speakers are located inside the scanner so that you can hear instructions from the CT staff and they can hear you.
  
  
• Anesthesia - Anesthesia is not required for a CT scan unless you have claustrophobia and/or anxiety to an extent that it will interfere with your ability to remain calm and very still during the procedure. A sedative may be give to you by mouth or IV before the procedure, if needed. NOTE: If you are given a sedative, you will need to have someone take you home following the procedure, as you should not drive for several hours after taking a sedative.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  • After the IV is started (if necessary), you will lie on the narrow table of the scanner.
    
    
  • You will be positioned by a staff member.
    
    
  • You will be given a call bell to hold in your hand so that you can notify the staff if you need assistance.
    
    
  • If you are feeling claustrophobic or anxious, you may be given oxygen for comfort.
    
    
  • Once you are positioned correctly, the table will slide slowly into the scanner. Your arms will be at your sides. You will be in a small enclosed space; however, both ends are open, and there will be light inside the tube.
    
    
  • Once inside the scanner, the staff will give you instructions through the speakers. You will hear clicking noises as preliminary adjustments are made.
    
    
  • Once the procedure begins, you will need to be very still at all times so that movement will not adversely affect the quality of the images.
    
    
  • At intervals, you will be instructed to hold your breath, or to not breathe, for a few seconds. You will then be told when you can breathe. You should not have to hold your breath for longer than a few seconds, so this should not be uncomfortable.
    
    
  • If the CT scan is being done "with and without contrast," you will receive contrast medication through your IV about halfway through the procedure. You may feel some pressure at the IV site when this happens. If you feel any stinging, burning, or pain at the site, let the staff know, as this may indicate that the medication did not go into your vein but rather into the surrounding tissue. You may feel warm or flushed just after the dye goes into your vein - this is normal and will go away shortly.
    
    
  • Once the procedure is finished, the table will slide out of the scanner. You will be assisted in getting up. If an IV was inserted, it will be taken out.
    
    
  • You may be asked to wait for a short time while the radiologist reviews the scans to make sure they are clear and complete. If the scans are not sufficient to obtain adequate information, you may have additional scanning done.
    
    
  • Once the scanning has been completed, you may dress, if necessary, gather your personal belongings, and leave, if you have not received sedation. If you received sedation for the procedure, you will be taken to a recovery area for monitoring for a period of time, until you are alert enough to leave.
    
    
• Procedure time - The test normally takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. However, unforeseen circumstances such as scheduling delays or inadequate scan quality necessitating repeat scans may delay the procedure start time or length.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - If you did not receive sedation for the procedure, you will be allowed to leave after the procedure is completed and resume normal activities, unless your physician instructs you otherwise. If you did receive sedation, you will be taken to a recovery area to be monitored until you are alert enough to leave. You will need to have someone take you home.
  
  
• Length of stay - If you did not receive sedation, you will be able to leave immediately. If you did receive sedation, you may be required to stay approximately one to two hours, depending on your recovery from the sedation.
  
  
• Recuperation time - Without sedation, you should be able to resume your previous activities immediately, unless your physician instructs you differently. With sedation, you may feel groggy, tired, or sleepy for a period of several hours following the procedure. However, the sedation effects should disappear within a day or so.
  
  
• Outcome - CT scans are often ordered to confirm or rule-out a particular diagnosis being investigated. Additional tests or procedures may be scheduled, depending on the CT results.

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