CT scan
CT scans are quick, painless and generally safe. However, there's a small risk you could have an allergicreaction to the contrast dye usedand you will be exposed to X-rayradiation.
The amount of radiation you're exposed to during a CT scanvaries, depending on how much of your body is scanned. CT scanners are designed to make sure you're not exposed to unnecessarily high levels.
Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during each scan is the equivalent to between a few months and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment.
It's thought exposure to radiationduring CT scans could slightly increase your chances of developingcancer many years later, although this risk is thought to be very small (less than 1 in 2,000). For more information, read GOV.UK: patient dose information.
The benefits and risks of having a CT scan willalways be weighed up before it's recommended. Talk to your doctor or radiographer about the potential risks beforehand, if you have any concerns.
Read about why CT scans are carried out, and find out what happens before, during and after the scan.
Duringthe scan, you'll usually lie on your back on a flat bed that passes into the CT scanner.The scanner consists of a ring that rotates arounda small section of your body as you pass through it. Unl
You shouldn't experience any aftereffects from a CT scan and can usually go home soon afterwards. You can eat and drink, go to work and drive as normal.If a contrast was used, youmay be advised to wai
CT scans are quick, painless and generally safe. However, there's a small risk you could have an allergicreaction to the contrast dye usedand you will be exposed to X-rayradiation.The amount of radiat
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 includingdamage tobones,injurie
Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare for your scan.You may be advised to avoideating anything forseveral hours before your appointment, to help ensure that clear ima
Before havingthe scan,you may be given aspecial 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 injec