FAQs

To help make your visit as straightforward as possible we have created the following CT frequently asked questions section:

If you have any additional questions, or have any concerns, you can contact the doctor who referred you for the test/procedure, or you can ask the Radiographer when you arrive for the scan.

If you cannot make your appointment or you have any questions please contact the CT Department. Our telephone number is 0114 226 8000.

Is CT safe?

CT scans are quick, painless and generally safe. However there is a small risk you could have an allergic reaction to the x-ray dye (contrast) used and you will be exposed to X-Ray radiation.

The amount of radiation you're exposed to during a CT scan varies, depending on how much of your body is scanned. CT scanners are designed to make sure you're not exposed to unnecessarily high levels.

Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during each scan is the equivalent to between a few months and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.

It's thought exposure to radiation during CT scans could slightly increase your chances of developing cancer many years later, although this risk is thought to be very small (less than 1 in 2,000). For more information, read GOV.UK: patient dose information.

The benefits and risks of having a CT scan will always be weighed up before it's recommended. Talk to your doctor or radiographer about the potential risks beforehand, if you have any concerns
 

 
What is a CT scan?

A CT (Computerised Tomography) scan uses a X-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body.

Why do I need a CT scan?

CT can take pictures of all parts of the body and is used to help diagnose a wide range of conditions. Your doctor should have discussed with you his or her reason for wanting a scan.
They can be used to:

Diagnose conditions – including damages to bone, injuries to internal organs, problems with blood flow, strokes and cancer

Guide further tests or treatments – for example, CT scans can help to determine the location, size and shape of a tumour to allow specialists to take a biopsy.

Monitor conditions – including checking on size of tumours during and after cancer treatment
Is CT safe?

CT scans are quick, painless and generally safe. However there is a small risk you could have an allergic reaction to the X-ray dye (contrast) used and you will be exposed to X-Ray radiation.

The amount of radiation you're exposed to during a CT scan varies, depending on how much of your body is scanned. CT scanners are designed to make sure you're not exposed to unnecessarily high levels.

Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during each scan is the equivalent to between a few months and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.

It's thought exposure to radiation during CT scans could slightly increase your chances of developing cancer many years later, although this risk is thought to be very small (less than 1 in 2,000). For more information, read
GOV.UK: patient dose information.

The benefits and risks of having a CT scan will always be weighed up before it's recommended. Talk to your doctor or radiographer about the potential risks beforehand, if you have any concerns

What do I have to do before my scan?

Before having the scan, you may be given a drink to improve the quality of the images. This may be water or a solution of X-ray dye that is swallowed.

Before the scan starts, you may be asked to remove certain parts of your clothing as metal objects can interfere with the accuracy of the images produced.

What will happen when I arrive?

You will report to reception where you will be met by a receptionist or an electronic clerking system. You will then be directed to a specific waiting area where you will be received by the CT team

What happens during the scan?

A member of staff will introduce themselves and if needed either give you a drink or insert a needle (cannula) in your arm. Some scans do not require these so don’t worry if you don’t have these.

A member of staff will then call you through to the CT scan room. They will introduce themselves and then ask you questions to ensure your identity. This will be in the form of name, date of birth and possibly first line of address.

They will then explain what is about to happen and explain the procedure and the area of body they are intending to scan. If this information does not sound appropriate, please inform the Radiographer so that further checks can be made.

During the scan you will usually lie on your back on a flat couch that passes into the CT scanner.
The scanner consists of a ring that has hidden rotating parts that rotate around a small section of your body as you pass through it. Unlike a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, the scanner doesn't surround your whole body at once, so you shouldn't feel claustrophobic.

The Radiographer will operate the scanner from the next room. While the scan is taking place, you'll be able to hear and speak to them through an intercom.

While each scan is taken, you'll need to lie very still and breathe normally. This ensures that the scan images aren't blurred. You may be asked to breathe in, breathe out, or hold your breath at certain points.

The scan will usually take around 10-20 minutes.

How long will it take?

A typical CT scan can take between 5 minutes and 20 minutes. You would expect to be in department for up to an hour as you will need to be prepared for the scan and then checked after the scan to make sure you are ok.

Can I bring someone with me?

You can bring a friend or family member with you for the appointment but they will not be allowed to accompany you into the CT scanning room

Will I need to have an injection?

We sometimes need to give an injection to show more detail on the scan. The liquid we inject is called a contrast medium. It is usually given through a small needle placed into a vein in your arm or the back of your hand. This will be discussed with you at the time if it is necessary.

What happens if I am pregnant?

It is important that you inform the CT team if you are pregnant or you think that you might be.

If you are female and you are between 12-55 you will be asked about the possibility of being pregnant. This will be done privately to ensure your privacy is maintained.

The Radiographer will explain all that is required at the time

What happens next?

You shouldn't experience any after effects from a CT scan and can usually go home soon afterwards. You can eat and drink, go to work and drive as normal.

If a contrast was used, you may be advised to wait in the hospital for up to 30 minutes to make sure you don't have a reaction to it.

The contrast is normally completely harmless and will pass out of your body in your urine.

Your scan results won't usually be available immediately. A computer will need to process the information from your scan, which will then be analysed by a Radiographer or Radiologist (a specialist in interpreting images of the body).
After analysing the images, the specialist will write a report and send it to the doctor who referred you for the scan, so they can discuss the results with you. This normally takes a few days or weeks

How do I find the CT department?

We have CT scanners at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital and the Northern General Hospital. You will have been given details of which you need to attend. The CT Departments are located as follows:

  • C floor at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital
  • in the main X-ray department on Vickers Corridor at the Northern General Hospital
  • You can find further details on our “How to find us” page

When you arrive please report to X-ray reception.

Car parking spaces are limited so if you are travelling by car please allow yourself plenty of time to park.
 

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