CT scan

You will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. Most often, you will lie on your back with your arms raised above your head. Once you are inside the scanner, the machine's x-ray beam rotates around you. Modern spiral scanners can perform the exam without stopping. There is very little…

Certain exams require a special dye, called contrast, to be delivered into your body before the test starts. Contrast helps certain areas show up better on the x-rays. Let your health care provider know if you have ever had a reaction to contrast. You may need to take medicines before the test in order to avoid…

Some people may have discomfort from lying on the hard table. Contrast given through an IV may cause a slight burning feeling, a metallic taste in the mouth, and a warm flushing of the body. These sensations are normal and usually go away within a few seconds.

A CT scan creates detailed pictures of the body, including the brain, chest, spine, and abdomen. The test may be used to: Diagnose an infection Guide a doctor to the right area during a biopsy Identify masses and tumors, including cancer Study blood vessels

Results are considered normal if the organs and structures being examined are normal in appearance.

Abnormal results depend on the part of the body being studied. Talk to your provider about questions and concerns.

Risks of having CT scans include: Allergic reaction to the contrast dye Damage to kidney function from the contrast dye Exposure to radiation CT scans expose you to more radiation than regular x-rays . Having many x-rays or CT scans over time may increase your risk for cancer. However, the risk from any one scan is…

Blankensteijn JD, Lely RJ. Computed tomography. In: Sidawy AN, Perler BA, eds. Rutherford's Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 29. Carucci LR. Diagnostic imaging procedures in gastroenterology. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 27th ed.…