Before

You need a referral from your doctor to be able to book an appointment for this scan.

When you make an appointment for your scan you will be advised as to whether you require any specific preparation and we will go through the process with you then.

As a general guide you will be advised to not eat anything two hours prior to your appointment if you are required to have Contrast. Contrast is a colorless fluid that is injected at the time of your scan to improve the definition of the images.

For abdominal examinations you may also be required to drink water before your scan.

All patients will be asked to present 10 minutes prior to their appointment time as you may need to complete a questionnaire.

During

Depending on the type of scan you are having, your appointment may take 60 minutes to complete.

Your radiographer will guide you through the whole process and gain consent from you.  For some examinations you may be asked to change into a gown and to remove metallic objects such as jewelry and hearing aids.

The CT radiographer who is trained in the use of X-ray equipment and CT scanning, will position you on the bed and take care of you throughout the scan. 

It is important that you keep still while the scan takes place.  If you have difficulty lying flat, have poorly controlled pain or suffer from claustrophobia, please discuss this with us prior to your scan.

If you need to have Contrast for your scan this is given through a small needle that is placed in your vein.  Injection of Contrast may give you a brief sensation of warmth throughout the body and maybe a metallic taste in your mouth. These sensations are expected and normal and are of no cause for concern.

After

After the examination, you are able to resume your normal activities.