CT - A guide to your scan

What is a CT scan?

CT stands for computed tomography. It uses X-rays to produce a cross-sectional, or ‘slice’, image of the inside of your body.

Who will I see?

A small team of radiography staff will look after you during your visit and one of the radiographers will carry out the scan.

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Is it safe?

Exposure to X-ray radiation could slightly increase your chances of developing cancer many years later, although standard CT scans use low doses of radiation so this risk is estimated to be very small. The amount of radiation you are exposed to during a CT scan is equivalent to between a few months and a few years exposure to natural background radiation from the environment.The doctor who has referred you for this procedure has decided that the benefits of the CT scan outweigh the risks. If you are, or you think you may be pregnant, you should tell us before your scan.

Do I need an injection?

Many CT scans involve injecting a dye (known as a‘contrast medium’) into a vein to increase the amountof information we can get from the scan. The injectionmay give you a warm feeling around your body and a metallic taste in your mouth. As with all injections, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction, ranging from minor reactions such as a skin rash to the more serious such as an asthma attack. Our medical teams are trained to deal with this if it happens. If you have had a previous reaction whilst undergoing a previoustest in radiology/cardiology please let us know.

Before the scan

• Please do not bring any valuable possessions, such as jewellery or watches to your appointment. You may be asked to remove all jewellery during your appointment and these items will remain yourresponsibility.
• We do ask that the clothing you wear to your appointment be free from metal buttons and metal zips, if possible. We also ask that you avoid wearing long flowing articles of clothing and that suitable footwear is worn to ensure your safety when attending for your scan. Please note that your scan maybe conducted on one of our mobile units which can involve access via metal steps and/or a patient lift.
• We will ask you some safety questions when you book your appointment. You may be asked to complete a safety questionnaire before your scan, please remember to bring this with you to yourappointment.
• You may be required to have an injection of dye aspart of the scan. This helps to visualise the different structures in the body. Your appointment letter will have more information about this.
• You do not need to prepare specifically for scans of the brain or extremities, however we may ask you to drink a certain amount of fluid or a special drink before having an abdomen or pelvis scan.

There are a few instructions that you need to follow before the scan:

• You should not eat or drink if you have been told not to (this will only apply for some scans). If we need to,we will give you more details when you book your appointment.
• If you are a diabetic taking any tablets for thiscondition, please contact us before your appointment.
• You should tell us if you have any allergies or asthma or if you have reacted to any other injection given for a previous radiology or cardiology examination.

Before the scan (continued)

• You should tell us before the scan if you are pregnantor breastfeeding.
• You should wear comfortable, loose clothing.
• You should let us know about any special needs you have (for example if you need wheelchair access, you are hard of hearing, you have poor eyesight or you are claustrophobic).

What happens during my appointment?

• When you arrive you should go to the receptiondesk.
• The radiographer or another member of staff will meet you and explain the procedure to you.
• We will check your safety questionnaire (or ask you to fill one in if you haven’t already).
• You will have the chance to ask any questions youhave.
• For some types of CT scans we will ask you to drinka special contrast drink up to an hour before your scan.
• We may ask you to change into a gown.
• If you need to change, your clothes and personal items will be kept in a secure place or you may be able to take them into the scan room with you.
• We may need to give you an injection, depending on the area that needs to be scanned.
• We will take you into the scanning room and ask you to lie down on the scanner bed.
• We will move the bed slowly so we can position the part of your body that is going to be scanned under the scanner camera.
• During the scan we may ask you to hold your breath or not swallow.
• The radiographer operating the scanner will be able to see and hear you throughout the procedure.

Will it be uncomfortable?

We will make you as comfortable as possible. The scan will not cause any pain. You may be given an injection.

How long will it take?

If you are given fluid to drink when you arrive, you mayhave to wait up to an hour before having your scan. The scan itself should take no longer than 20-30 minutes

After the scan

After your scan you can eat and drink normally. If you have had an injection, we will ask you to wait inreception for up to 30 minutes after your examinationin case you have a reaction to the injection. You can drive home afterwards and return to work if you need to.

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 delayedallergy-like reaction to the dye (contrast medium). If you do develop any symptoms and are concerned, please contact us for advice, or out of hours contact your GP or nearest Accident and Emergency Department.

When will I get the results?

A radiologist will check the scan results shortly afteryour appointment and will send a report to yourdoctor or consultant. At the time of your appointment you will be told how long this should take. If a follow up appointment is not already arranged, you will need to contact your doctor or consultant tomake an appointment to get your results.

Can I bring a relative or friend with me?

* Children are not allowed into the room while you are having the scan and our staff are unable to care for children during an examination. Please make alternative arrangements for any childcare needs.
* The radiographer or another member of staff will meet you and explain the procedure to you.

Your Personal Data

Alliance understands that your personal data isentrusted to us and appreciate the importance of protecting and respecting your privacy.

Contacting us

It is very important to us that you have been given all the necessary information so that your scan is carriedout successfully. Please contact us on the number given in your appointment letter if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. If you require this information in a different format please let us know via customercare@alliance.co.uk

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