They’re carried out in hospital by specially trained operators called radiographers, and can be done while you’re staying in hospital or during a short visit.
When CT scans are used
CT scans can produce detailed images of many structures inside the body, including the internal organs, blood vessels and bones. They can be used to:
- diagnose conditions – including damage to bones, injuries to internal organs, problems with blood flow, stroke and cancer
- guide further tests or treatments – for example, CT scans can help determine the location, size and shape of a tumour before having radiotherapy, or allow a doctor to take a needle biopsy link (where a small tissue sample is removed using a needle) or drain an abscess
- monitor conditions – including checking the size of tumours during and after cancer treatment
CT scans wouldn’t normally be used to check for problems if you don’t have any symptoms (known as screening). This is because the benefits of screening may not outweigh the risks, particularly if it leads to unnecessary testing and anxiety.
Preparing for a CT scan
You may be advised to avoid eating anything for several hours before your appointment to help make sure clear images are taken. You should let your doctor know if you have any allergies or kidney problems, or if you’re taking medication for diabetes, as special arrangements may need to be made.
You should also let me know if you’re pregnant. CT scans aren’t usually recommended for pregnant women unless it’s an emergency, as there’s a small chance the X-Rays could harm your baby.
It’s a good idea to wear loose, comfortable clothes as you may be able to wear these during the scan.
Try to avoid wearing jewellery and clothes containing metal (such as zips), as these will need to be removed.
Before having a CT scan
Before having the scan, you may be given a special dye called a contrast to help improve the quality of the images. This may be swallowed in the form of a drink, passed into your bottom (enema), or injected into a blood vessel.
Before the scan starts, you may be asked to remove your clothing and put on a gown.
You’ll also be asked to remove anything metal, such as jewellery, as metal interferes with the scanning equipment.
CT scan that i perform
- CT Brain
- CT Neck
- CT Lung
- CT Abdomen
- CT Liver and gallbladder
- CT Pelvis
- CT Angiogram (CT of arteries and veins)
- CT Aorta
- CT Carotids and Intracranial circle
- CT Upper and Lower limbs
- CT MSK
I can provide you with an English report if you need/prefer it as I am a GMC (General Medical Council) registered doctor