Your private CT scan will be carried out by a radiographer who is a HCPC-certified individual trained to specifically acquire imaging. They will undertake a safety questionnaire prior to your examination, explain the procedure, and answer any questions you may have on the day.
You may need to have an injection of a special dye called contrast medium. This helps to show up certain organs or blood vessels more clearly. The contrast is injected into a vein, usually in your hand or arm. This can cause a warm, flushing feeling but this passes quickly. If this is required, the radiographer will explain the purpose of why this is needed and thoroughly check you are safe to have this.
During the scan, you’ll lie on a table that moves backwards or forwards slowly.
The radiographer may ask you to breathe in, breathe out, and/or hold your breath during the scan. For the rest of the time, you must lie very still.
You’ll be in the scanner for between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on the type of scan that is required.
If you need to do anything to prepare, you’ll be told when your appointment is made. You should continue to take any prescribed medication as usual unless instructed otherwise.
You may need to have a blood test prior to your scheduled CT scan to ensure the contrast medium is safe to administer. The radiographer will inform you on the day if this is required. We encourage you to bring any allergy medication with you including inhalers or antihistamines.
If you get claustrophobic, make sure you let your doctor or radiographer know beforehand. We’ll do everything we can to make you as comfortable as possible during the scan.
Depending on the area of your body being scanned, you may need to change into a hospital gown and remove jewellery, piercings, hair accessories, hearing aids, watches, and dentures.
You can go home after your scan when you feel ready. If you’ve been injected with a contrast medium, you should wait at least 15 minutes before leaving the department
A radiologist will look at your scans and write a report. This will be sent to the doctor who referred you for the scan, usually within 24 to 48 hours. They will discuss the results with you at your next appointment.
