CT Information
If you’ve been referred for a CT scan at an InHealth Community Diagnostic Centre, you may be wondering what happens next. We understand that patients may be anxious about the scan and/or the process. Don’t worry, we have created lots of information here, so you can know what to expect. You will also receive this information in the post soon after your appointment is booked.
About your scan
With your appointment booked, it’s time to prepare for your scan, which is step 1 of a 3-step process. The information pack you will receive in the post will explain any pre-appointment requirements that apply to your scan type, and the time you will need to arrive at the diagnostic centre. Following your scan, your images will be studied by a consultant, and a findings report will be sent to your referrer.
step 1
Appointment
You attend your CT appointment at the diagnostic centre, where a Radiographer will conduct your scan.
step 2
Reporting
A specialist Consultant will study your images and produce a written report, which is sent to your referrer.
step 3
Review
Your referrer will review your report and discuss its contents with you, along with any possible next steps.
About CT scans
How does a CT scan work?
A CT scanner uses a computer and X-Rays to create detailed images of the inside of your body. An X-Ray tube creates X-rays which are passed through your body and are collected by detectors on each side. The data is transferred to a computer which creates a 3D image of the body which is displayed on the screen.
What is the difference between a CT scan and an MRI scan?
CT scans and MRI scans are both used to record images of the body. A CT uses XRays whereas an MRI uses radio waves and magnets. Both CT and MRI are used to diagnose issues with body parts such as the brain, wrist, ankles and joints. MRI is the best imaging modality for getting a detailed and in depth look at most of the body areas, but CT scanning is the preferred choice of investigation for certain areas such as the chest.
Preparing for your scan
There is no special preparation for your CT scan, unless you are attending for any scan of your abdomen and pelvis. For these examinations please drink 1 litre of water during the hour prior to your scan appointment.
If you have a disability, we can make reasonable adjustments to help you access your appointment more easily. If you would like any support, for example if you plan to attend with a carer or you may need extra time or help, please contact us on 0333 202 0300 to discuss your requirements.
Please do not bring any valuable items, or jewellery which you may be asked to remove, to your appointment. We cannot be held responsible for their loss or damage.
If you are, or suspect that you may be pregnant, please tell the Radiographer before the scan is carried out.
Your appointment
If you are unable to attend or need to rearrange your appointment, please have your NHS number to hand and call us on 0333 202 0300. Failure to do so not only deprives another patient of being seen but may also result in your referral being cancelled and returned to the care of your referring clinician.
Please ensure you arrive 15 minutes before the appointment time, late arrival may result in your appointment being rescheduled for another date. Please ensure you are not accompanied by unsupervised children under the age of 16.
When you arrive for your appointment, you will be greeted by a member of staff. A member of the team will go through a pre-exam questionnaire with you before your scan. When you meet with the radiographer you will have time to discuss the details of your procedure and the opportunity to ask any questions you might have. If you would like a chaperone, you can bring a friend or relative with you.
During the scan
The radiographer will take you into the scanner room and make sure that you are comfortably positioned on the scanner bed. The CT scanner looks like a big ring called a gantry and is open at both ends with a table that slides through the middle. Within the wall of the scanner there is an X-Ray source and detectors. The scanner bed moves quickly through the gantry acquiring many cross-sectional images of your body which are sent to our control area and then processed for our radiologists to report.
If you require a contrast injection it will be administered by a doctor or radiographer who is trained to do so. You will be asked to lie as still as possible during the examination, to ensure that the scanner can get a good, clear image. You may be asked to hold your breath for some scans to prevent lung and diaphragm movement from degrading the images.
After your scan
The total length of a CT scan procedure can be between 20 minutes to an hour, depending upon the type of examination, the preparation and post-examination processing.
It is rare to experience any complications from CT scans; however, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to the medium contrast injection. In this case, there is medication on hand to deal with the reaction immediately.
Your images and report are reviewed and sent on to your healthcare specialist to give a diagnosis and organise any further treatment, if necessary.
Patient Information Leaflets
You can read and/or download our CT patient leaflets below. You will also receive paper copies in the post.