A Computed Tomography (CT) scan, also known as a Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) scan, is a medical imaging test that helps your provider see inside your body.
CT or CAT scans are more detailed than a standard X-ray, giving your provider a clear picture and helping them make a more accurate diagnosis.
A CT scan is a medical scan that uses special X-ray equipment and a computer to create detailed images of your bones, organs, or soft tissues. Instead of creating a flat image, a CT scanner takes multiple X-ray pictures from different angles as it moves around your body. This creates a three-dimensional view of the area your provider wants to look at.
A CT scan can help your provider:
Your provider will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your CT scan. In general, you should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and remove any metal jewelry. These things can get in the way of the scan. To avoid this entirely, you may be asked to change into a medical gown for the CT scan.
For some CT scans, your provider will use a special liquid called contrast material. This helps highlight certain tissues, organs, or blood vessels, making them easier to see on the images. Contrast material can be given:
If you need contrast material for your CT scan, you may also need a blood test before your scan. If you know you are allergic to contrast material, your provider may give you steroid and antihistamine medications to take the night before and the morning of your CT scan. Tell your provider about any allergies before your scan.
You'll lie on your back on a comfortable table, which will move into the center of the CT scanner. The scanner looks like a large, open ring. A CT technologist will be in a separate room but can always see and hear you. They'll communicate with you through an intercom, guiding you through each step of the scan.
During the scan, the machine will take pictures of the specific area your provider needs to see. The machine isn't very loud, and the scan doesn't take very long. It's important for you to stay as still as possible during your CT scan, since any movement can make the pictures blurry. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods, usually no longer than 15 to 20 seconds. This helps your provider get clear images.
Once the scan is over, the table will move back out of the CT scanner. You can usually return to your normal activities right after a CT scan. If you received contrast material before your CT scan, you may be told to drink extra water to help flush it out of your body.
A CT machine takes multiple X-ray pictures from many different angles as it moves around your body. X-rays produce flat, two-dimensional images, but a CT scan combines these images to create cross-sectional images that look like slices. The slices are put together by a computer to make a complete, three-dimensional image. Some CT scans use contrast material to make these images even clearer.
A CT scan provides highly detailed images of the inside of your body. The scans can show abnormalities like cancer or tumors, injuries, and diseases. They give your provider more specific information than a standard X-ray.
Your CT scan appointment will usually take around an hour, which includes getting ready for your scan. The actual scan usually takes less than five minutes.
A CT scan is safe for both adults and children. Like X-rays, CT scans use a small amount of radiation to capture images, but the amount of radiation exposure is low. If you're concerned about the health risks of CT scans, talk to your provider.
You may experience mild side effects from contrast material if it's used during your CT scan. These can include feeling warm or flushed, a metallic taste in your mouth, nausea, and itchiness. If you experience more severe side effects, such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling, tell the technologist right away.
A radiologist will review the images from your scan and create a report with your CT scan results, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours. In urgent situations, like if you're at the emergency department, providers can get your results within an hour or two. Once the radiologist has sent the report to your provider, they will either schedule another appointment with you or call you to discuss the results.
The CT scan report is usually written by a radiologist and will include how the CT scan was performed, a description of what the images showed, and an impression. This is a summary that may include a possible diagnosis, the most important thing the scan found, and recommendations for more testing if needed.
If you have any questions about your CT scan report or any of the findings, talk to your provider. Your provider will explain what the results of your CT scan mean.
You need to have a referral from your provider before scheduling a CT scan. Once you have a referral, you can visit our imaging locations page to find a convenient CT scan location near you.
