Back to Computerized Tomography

Learn more about CT

Before your examination, the CT technologist will explain the procedure to you and answer any questions you might have.

The technologist begins by positioning the patient on the CT table.  The table will move slowly into the CT scanner "donut".  Depending upon the area of the body being examined, the increments of movement may be so small that they are almost undetectable, or large enough that the patient feels the sensation of motion.

If you are undergoing a head scan, the technologist will place your head in a cradle to help prevent movement.  You may have sponges placed on each side of your head with a strap across your forehead to help you hold still during the scan.  Even the slightest movement can blur the image.

You may be given a contrast agent to drink before the examination begins, or it may be administered through an injection into a vein.  The contrast agent helps visualize tissues in the area being studied.  You may feel warm or flushed, have a funny taste in your mouth, or a warm or cold feeling where the contrast is being injected, however, these are normal reactions.  If you feel itchy or short of breath, you may be having an allergic reaction to the contrast agent and you should advise the technologist immediately.  Fortunately, with the safety of the newest contrast agents, these adverse effects are very rare.

During the scan, the X-ray tube within the CT unit will rotate around you, taking X-ray pictures of one thin slice of tissue after another.  As the X-ray tube rotates, you will hear a whirring sound.  The table that you are on will move slightly to reposition you for each scan, however, it moves so slowly that you might not even notice it.

Your CT scans will be given to a radiologist.  A physician experienced in CT and other radiology examinations will analyze the images and send a signed report with his or her interpretation to your physician.