Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body

A CT scan is usually done by a radiology technologist. The pictures are usually read by a radiologist, who writes the report. Other doctors, such as a family medicine doctor, internist, or surgeon, also may review a CT scan.

You may need to take off any jewelry. You will need to take off all or most of your clothes, depending on which area is studied. You may be able to wear your underwear for some scans. You will be given a gown to use during the test.

During the test, you will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner, which is a large doughnut-shaped machine.

The table slides into the round opening of the scanner, and the scanner moves around your body. The table will move while the scanner takes pictures. You may hear a click or buzz as the table and scanner move. It is very important to lie still during the test.

During the test, you may be alone in the scanning room. However, the technologist will watch you through a window. You will be able to talk to the technologist through a two-way intercom.

If dye (contrast material) is needed, it will be given in one of several ways, depending on the body area being studied.

• Contrast material may be given in a vein (IV) in the arm for chest, belly, and pelvic CT scans.
• You may drink contrast material for a belly CT, or it may be put through a tube into your bladder or rectum, or it may be put through a thin needle into a joint.

A CT scan usually takes 30 to 60 minutes but could take up to 2 hours.

Drink lots of liquids for 24 hours after the scan to help flush the dye out of your body.