Preparing for a CT scan

Your appointment letter will mention anything you need to do to prepare for your scan.

You may be advised to avoid eating anything for several hours before your appointment, to help ensure that clear images are taken.

You should contact the hospital after receiving your appointment letter if you have any allergies or kidney problems, or if you're taking medication for diabetes, because special arrangements may need to be made.

You should also let the hospital know if you're pregnant. CT scans aren't usually recommended for pregnant women unless it's an emergency, as there's a small chance the X-rays could harm your baby.

It's a good idea to wear loose comfortable clothes, as you may be able to wear these during the scan. Try to avoid wearing jewellery and clothes containing metal (such as zips), as these will need to be removed.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018