This web page is designed to give you some information about the CT scanner, to help you prepare for your scan and to give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

C.T. stands for Computerized Tomography and is a special type of x-ray that can look at various parts of the body including the brain, spine, chest, abdomen and pelvis.  The information from the x-rays is recorded in a series of cross sectional pictures or scans that can be built up into a three dimensional image of the area being examined.

If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential you contact the hospital department that you are attending (see CT appointments) immediately, so that a more appropriate time can be arranged.  This will enable us to reallocate valuable scanning time to someone else.

• Eat and drink as normal, unless specifically told otherwise.
• Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
• If possible, try to wear clothing without metal zip fastenings or clips.  If this is not possible a hospital gown and changing facilities are provided.
• If possible, try to leave personal valuables at home.

Yes.  The preparation may change.  Please ring the hospital department that you are attending (see CT appointment 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 (Glucophage, Avandamet), your preparation for the procedure may change.  Please ring the hospital department that you are attending (see CT appointment telephone numbers as above) and speak to a member of staff, who will be able to advise you. 

When you arrive in the department you should report to the Radiology Reception desk, where your personal details will be checked to ensure that our records are accurate and up to date. You will then be directed towards the CT waiting area, where a nurse or radiographer will welcome you and also, explain the scanning procedure to you. The nurse or radiographer will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your scan.  Depending on which area of your body is to be scanned, you may be asked to undress, in which case, a gown will be provided.  You may also be asked to drink some fluid prior to the start of the scan.

The person who carries out the scan is called a Radiographer and will explain the procedure to you and show you how to position yourself.  It is important that you lie still for the duration of the scan.

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.

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.

Head/Neck

You will lie on your back on the scan table, your head will be positioned in a special headrest. Small pads will be placed

around your head. You will be moved headfirst into the scanner and when you are ready your scan will begin.

Chest

You will lie on your back on the scan table. Your arms will be placed above your head away from your chest. You will be moved feet first into the scanner and when you are ready we will give you some breathing instructions.  Then your scan will begin.

Abdomen

Shortly after arrival the nurse will give you some fluid to drink. This is a very dilute x-ray dye that outlines your stomach and small bowel. This helps us with the interpretation of the scan pictures. This preparation of your abdomen may take up to one hour.

You will lie on your back on the scan table. Your arms will be placed above your head away from your chest. You will be moved feet first into the scanner and when you are ready we will give you some breathing instructions, then your scan will begin.

Preparation may take up to an hour. Scan time can be anything between 5-30 minutes.

You should not experience anything to cause any discomfort.

After your scan has finished the radiographer will not be able to tell you the results.  The results will be sent back to the

doctor who referred you for your scan, within 2 weeks of the completion of your examination.  If you are undergoing planned investigations on a ward the results will be sent to the ward as soon as possible.  The doctors on the ward may be able to discuss the findings with you.

Yes.

If you need an ambulance you must ask your GP’s surgery to arrange one, giving 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 questions regarding your appointment/preparation for your scan, please contact CT appointments at the hospital department you are attending as below:

Royal Victoria Infirmary:  (0191) 282 4330

Freeman Hospital:  (0191) 223 1012

Should you have any worries or concerns, please make these known to the person conducting the examination or by letter addressed to the Departmental Manager at the appropriate hospital, as below:

The Departmental Manager (RVI)  

X-ray Department Level 3

Queen Victoria Road                                   

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP

Tel: (0191) 282 1099

The Departmental Manager (FH)

Main X-ray Department

Freeman Hospital

High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne NE7 7DN

Tel: (0191) 282 1099

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

Map details: Due to the transformations of the Newcastle Hospitals, some current local map details may be out of date.  Please go to the Trust web site or click on the link below to check for progress updates:

Web site – http://www.newcastle-hospitals.org.uk/patient-guides/index.aspx

Alternatively, please see last page for map details and directions on how to get to the New Victoria Wing, RVI.

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

Information produced by: The Clinical Directorate of Radiology

Review Date: November 2010

Next Review Date: November 2013