What happens during a CT scan

During the 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 around a small section of your body as you pass through it. Unlike a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, the scanner doesn't surround your whole body at once, so you shouldn't feel claustrophobic.

The radiographer will operate the scanner from the next room. While the scan is taking place, you'll be able to hear and speak to them through an intercom.

While each scan is taken, you'll need to lie very still and breathe normally. This ensures that the scan images aren't blurred. You may be asked to breathe in, breathe out, or hold your breath at certain points.

The scan will usually take around 10-20 minutes. 

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018