CT scan (or CAT scan) at Warwickshire Hospital

You may feel nervous about your scan, but we don’t want you to worry. Our experienced consultants and radiographers are friendly and approachable, and can answer any questions you may have.

This video explains what to expect during X-ray, CT and MRI scanning.

What is a CT Scan?

CT - Computerised Tomography. A scan using X-rays to take images of the body. It uses a computer to create ‘slices’ (cross sections) of the body and internal organs.

Some terms you may hear:

• Outpatient - being an outpatient simply means you are coming in to see us for an appointment. You don’t stay overnight.
• Radiographer - a professional trained to take X-rays and scans.
• Radiologist - a doctor specialising in interpreting X-rays.

During a CT scan a series of X-rays are taken of your inner body from slightly different angles and an advanced computer puts them all together, producing clear cross-sectional images. The detail in the images of a CT scan means that the radiologist may be able to detect tiny abnormalities. This accuracy helps in the early detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment planning. If you receive an injection of contrast as part of the examination there is a small risk of an allergic or minor reaction to the injection. Our medical teams are trained to deal with this if it happens. If you have any concerns about this, please contact us on the number on your appointment letter.

Is a CT scan safe?

Like other X-ray imaging exams, CT scans expose you briefly to a small, targeted amount of ionizing radiation, The amount of radiation you're exposed to during a CT scan varies, depending on how much of your body is scanned.

CT scanners are designed to make sure you're not exposed to unnecessarily high levels.

Generally, the amount of radiation you're exposed to during each scan is the equivalent to between a few months and a few years of exposure to natural radiation from the environment. In all cases the Clinician who refers you for a CT scan will ensure that the benefits provided by the information in the examination outweighs the risks associated with the radiation dose.

A CT scan may not be suitable for everyone. If you are, or might be, pregnant please contact us on the number on your appointment letter as we may not be able to scan you.

How to book a CT scan?

Before a CT scan can be booked, you must have a referral letter from your GP or consultant. Once a referral letter has been obtained, appointments can be booked by contacting the Imaging department by telephone on 01926 436323 or by email warwickradiology@nuffieldhealth.com.

Preparing for your CT scan

We want to make sure that you are fully informed – so please do call us if you have any questions before your appointment. If certain medical terms aren’t clear, we explain them. If you’d like to bring a family member or friend, that’s no problem.

At your appointment you will meet your radiographer who will be an expert in CT scanning. The radiographer will be with you throughout the whole process, from explaining the scan and answering your questions beforehand, to performing the actual scan.

How long does a CT scan take?

A CT scan appointment can take up to 40 minutes, depending on the area of your body being scanned. For around half this time you will be lying down on the scanning bed, but the actual scan may take less than a minute.

You will be given preparation instructions specific to your scan when you book your appointment - please make sure you follow these

Some scanning beds have a weight limit for safe use, which is usually about 200kg. If you feel this may be a problem, please contact us and we can make arrangements that have your safety and comfort in mind.

On the day of your CT scan

When you arrive for your appointment you will be greeted by a member of staff who will check your name, date of birth and address. At this time you’ll be given the opportunity to ask any questions. If necessary, your radiographer may ask you to change into a gown for the scan and any metal objects, such as jewellery, keys, coins or metal dentures may need to be removed. This will only be if an article of clothing could interfere with the scan.