A computerised tomography scan, also called a CT scan, is a type of diagnostic investigation that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.
Unlike a conventional X-ray image, a CT scan can depict much more detail of individual structures inside the body (such as blood vessels, bones and soft tissue structure including the liver and kidneys).
A CT scan has many uses but predominantly is used to diagnose disease or injury as well as to plan medical, surgical or radiation treatment.
You have likely been referred for a CT scan to help investigate and diagnose the condition responsible for your symptoms or to monitor progression of an existing condition.
Reasons can include diagnosing injuries, identifying tumors or infections, checking for conditions affecting your heart or blood vessels, and planning or assessing treatment effectiveness.
At a CT scan, you will be looked after by a radiographer and a radiology assistant. During the scan, you will lie on a motorised table that moves into a large, ring-shaped machine, while the radiographer operates the scanner from a separate control room.
You will need to remain very still and may be asked to hold your breath for short periods to get clear images. If a contrast medium is used, a cannular will be place in your arm or hand so the contrast can be injected intravenously.
You may experience a temporary warm feeling or a metallic taste, however this is to be expected and is nothing to cause concern . The scan itself is painless, and you’ll be able to go home soon after.
Routine scans typically take 1 to 2 weeks for results to be sent to your doctor. Urgent scan results may be available in as little as 24 to 48 hours whilst in emergency situations the results can be available in as little as an hour.
The maximum wait time can take up to 4 weeks for results to be processed and sent to your doctor, so it’s important to contact them if you haven’t heard anything after a couple of weeks.