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CT Scan
A CT scan, also known as a CAT scan, is a specialised X-ray test. It can give quite clear pictures of
the inside of your body. In particular, it can give good pictures of soft tissues of the body which do
not show on ordinary X-ray pictures. Note: the information below is a general guide only. The
arrangements, and the way tests are performed, may vary between different hospitals. Always follow
the instructions given by your doctor or local hospital.
The detectors detect the strength of the X-ray beam that has passed through your body. The more dense the
tissue, the less X-rays pass through. The X-ray detectors feed this information into a computer. Different types of
tissue with different densities show up as a picture on the computer monitor, in different colours or shades of
grey. So, in effect, a picture is created by the computer of a slice (cross-section) of a thin section of your body.
As the couch moves slowly through the ring the X-ray beam passes through the next section of your body. So,
several cross-sectional pictures (slices) of the part of your body being investigated are made by the computer.
Newer scanners can even produce 3-dimensional pictures from the data received from the various slices of the
part of the body being scanned.
To detect abnormalities in the body, such as tumours, abscesses, abnormal blood vessels, etc, when
they are suspected by symptoms or other tests.
To give a surgeon a clear picture of an area of your body before certain types of surgery.
To pinpoint the exact site of tumours prior to radiotherapy.
To help doctors find the right place to take biopsies (tissue samples).
In some situations, depending on what part of the body is being scanned, one of the following may be needed.
These aim to block a certain amount of X-ray going through various tissues. This helps to give better contrast
between different organs and tissues on the scan pictures.
For abdominal and pelvic scans you may be asked to have a special drink before the scan. This helps
to show up the stomach and bowel more clearly.
For pelvic scans, some fluid may be put into your rectum (back passage).
For pelvic scans, women may be asked to insert a tampon into the vagina.
Sometimes a dye (contrast medium) is injected into the bloodstream via a vein in your arm. The dye
may give you a flushing feeling and an odd taste in your mouth, which soon goes.
The CT scan itself is painless. You cannot see or feel X-rays. You will be asked to stay as still as possible, as
otherwise the scan pictures may be blurred. The scan can take between 5-30 minutes, depending on which part
(or parts) of the body is being scanned.
Some people feel a little anxious or claustrophobic in the scanner room when they are on their own. A mild
sedative may be offered if you are particularly anxious.
Pregnant women
If possible, pregnant women should not have a CT scan, as there is a small risk that X-rays may cause an
abnormality to the unborn child.
The dose of X-ray radiation needed for a CT scan is much more than for a single X-ray picture, but is still
generally quite a low dose. The risk of harm from the dose of radiation used in CT scanning is thought to be very
small, but it is not totally without risk. As a rule, the higher the dose of radiation, the greater the risk. So, for
example, the larger the part of the body scanned, the greater the radiation dose. And, repeat CT scans over time
cause an overall increase of dose. Also, the younger you are when you have a CT scan, the greater the lifetime
risk of developing cancer or leukaemia.
Various studies have aimed to estimate the risk of developing cancer or leukaemia following a CT scan. Some
are cited below. In general, the risk is small. For example, in the study by Pearce et al cited below, they concluded
that ... "in the 10 years after the first scan for patients younger than 10 years, one excess case of leukaemia and
one excess case of brain tumour per 10,000 head CT scans is estimated to occur". In many situations, the
benefit of a CT scan greatly outweighs the risk. However, as the same study concludes ... "although clinical
benefits should outweigh the small absolute risks, radiation doses from CT scans ought to be kept as low as
possible and alternative procedures, which do not involve ionising radiation, should be considered if appropriate".
Because of the small risk, the Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) has
recommended that routine whole body CT scans should not be offered to people without symptoms as part of
'health checks'. They also offer various other recommendations on the use of CT scans - see link below.
The pictures from the scan are studied by an X-ray doctor (radiologist) who sends a report to the doctor who
requested the scan.
Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical
conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its
accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
For details see our conditions.