C.T. stands for Computed Tomography and is a special type of X-ray which can look at various parts of the body, including the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis.

The information from X-rays that pass through the body is recorded in a series of cross section pictures or scans that can be built up into a three dimensional image of a particular organ of the body.

Usually none.  Printed instructions will be given to you with your appointment information if any preparation is required.

Yes.  The preparation may change.  Please ring the department you are attending your appointment, (See above for Telephone numbers and speak to a member of the medical staff, who will be able to advise you. (see next question also).

Yes - Metformin (Glucophage, Avandamet) is most commonly taken by diabetic patients to control blood sugar, but occasionally is taken for other conditions.

If you are taking Metformin, your preparation for the procedure may change.  Please ring the appropriate department (as above telephone numbers) and speak to a member of staff, who will be able to advise you. 

On arrival you may be asked to undress and put on a hospital gown and will be put on a couch that enters a fairly wide, short tunnel, the C.T. scanner, where the X-rays are produced.  You may be asked to obey verbal instructions, e.g. hold your breath for a few seconds if the chest or upper abdomen is being examined.

The doctor who arranged for you to have this examination has asked the Radiologist to consider giving an injection as part of the test.  The Radiologist will explain whether an injection is necessary once he has scanned the area.  The injection, if necessary, will be of local anaesthetic (see below) and/or steroid medication.  The Radiologist will answer any questions you have about the injection at the time.  If you have concerns before the test please contact the doctor who you saw in clinic who will be able to discuss the injection further with you.

If local anaesthetic or steroid medication has been injected, you will be given a form to take away to monitor any change in your symptoms.  The Radiologist will explain how you should complete this form and how to return it.

Local Anaesthetic

•  Your radiologist will ask you to keep quite still while the injection is given.
•  You may notice a warm tingling feeling as the anaesthetic begins to take effect.
•  Your procedure will only go ahead when you and your radiologist are sure that the area is numb.
•  If you are not having sedation, you will remain alert and aware of your surroundings.
•  Your radiologist is always near to you and you can speak to him/her whenever you want to.

The examination will take around half an hour.

The Radiologist will explain any potential side effects due to the injection.

Like all X-ray machines, a CT scanner produces potentially harmful X-rays.  Modern equipment is designed to keep the dose to patients as low as possible.  If your doctor has asked for a scan, then he or she will have decided that the benefit of having the information that the scan gives, is greater than the risk of the small dose of radiation.  Since X-rays can harm unborn babies, if you are, or could be pregnant, please tell the radiographer or nurse before you have the scan.  This is very important.

CT scanning of pregnant women should be avoided whenever possible.

If you think you may be pregnant it is very important that you tell the nurse or radiographer before your scan.  To avoid accidental irradiation, all females between the ages of 11 and 55 years are asked the date of their last menstrual period (LMP).  From this information X-ray staff will decide if there is cause for the CT examination to be postponed or if it is safe to continue.

The person who carries out the scan is called a Radiographer, who will explain the procedure to you and show you how to position yourself.  It is important that you lie still for the whole time while the pictures are being taken.  Your scan will be examined by the Radiologist, who will interpret the pictures and prepare a report for your doctor.  That is why you have to wait a few days for the result.

A report will be sent to the Consultant who asked for this test to be performed.  If you were given a form to take away and complete, a full report cannot be sent out until this form has been returned.  You should make an appointment to discuss the results with the doctor in outpatients.

We advise that you do not drive home immediately after an injection.  You should arrange alternative transport.

If you need an ambulance, you must ask your G.P’s surgery to arrange one, but you will need to give them three working days notice. However, it would be helpful if you could inform the department if you are arriving by ambulance, as we will arrange your appointment time to fit with ambulance arrivals.

Should you have any suggestions or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting your examination, or by letter addressed to:

Royal Victoria Infirmary

The Departmental Manager

X-Ray Department, Level 3

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Queen Victoria Road

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE1 4LP

Tel:  (0191) 282 1099

Freeman Hospital

The Departmental Manager

Main Xray Department

Freeman Hospital

High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE7 7DN

Tel: (0191) 282 1099

(Monday – Friday 9.00am – 5.00pm)

All Newcastle Hospitals: Switchboard Tel: (0191) 233 6161

If you need to turn to someone for on-the-spot help, advice and support, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on:

Freephone 0800-032-02-02

Map details: Due to the transformations of the Newcastle Hospitals, please go to the 'Patient and Visitor Guides' to check for updates or alternatively, see local map details on how to get to the Freeman Hospital.

All patient information is available in large print size for people with visual impairments or partial vision.  Please click on the link above, 'large print size' to view and print the document or alternatively, please click on the large 'A' at the top of the screen to read this information on-line.

Produced by: Dr G Hide, Clinical Directorate of Radiology