CT scans offered by InHealth
A
CT (Computerised Tomography) scan is a specialised X-Ray
examination, which gives clear images of the inside of your body. CT is
excellent in showing soft tissue, air, fluid, bone, vessels and all
other internal structures of the body, allowing your doctor to identify
any problems. New technology allows CT to be painless, stress free and
very fast: often it is possible to scan neck to pelvis in one breath hold.
Some CT scans use a 'contrast agent' (a dye containing iodine) which
can be a drink or injection - this is used to enhance the image and give
a clear view of your condition.
Frequently asked questions about CT scans
I am claustrophobic - might the CT scanner cause me a problem?
As the scanner is open plan and the imaging time very short, claustrophobia is rarely a problem.
What is the radiation dose from a CT Scan?
Following guidelines set out in the Ionising Radiation (Medical
Exposure) Regulations (IRMER) 2000, exposure to ionising radiation
should be kept to a minimum whenever possible. In all cases, the
clinician who refers you for a CT scan will ensure that the benefits
provided by the information in the examination outweigh the risks
associated with the radiation dose.
How long does the CT Scan take?
The actual scanning itself depends on the type of scan, but can be as
short as a breath hold, from 5-10 seconds. The total length of a CT
scan procedure can be between approximately 20 minutes to an hour,
depending upon the type of examination, the preparation and
postexamination processing.
