Computerised Tomography (CT) scans

It is a type of scan that uses x-rays to obtain detailed images of the body in 'slice sections' (cross sections).

These images are examined by a Radiologist (a doctor who specialises in reading x-ray images) and are used for diagnosing and assessing medical conditions. The CT scanner is an open ring-like structure which resembles a giant doughnut, rather than a tunnel. The CT table is relatively comfortable and the noise levels from the equipment are low.

Diagnostic Radiographers will perform your CT scan and Imaging Assistants will assist during your visit.

A CT scan helps your medical team to diagnose and assess your condition and monitor your progress during and after treatment.

If you are having a CT scan of your head, you should not drive to your appointment. Your doctor may already have advised you of this. 

We may, at times, share patients' images for different purposes. Further information can be found on the Trust's website 'Privacy Policy'. 

Yes, but try and limit it to one person due to space limitations in the waiting room.  

Yes, you can take all your usual medicines.

The examination involves exposure to x-rays. CT radiation doses at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre (CCC) are similar to the background radiation we are all exposed to over about 1-5 years (depending on area scanned). The amount of radiation received per scan is kept to a minimum by the Radiographers and sophisticated dose controls on the scanner. The expected benefits of the scan outweigh any possible radiation risks.

You may have an injection of contrast agent and this contains Iodine, which can cause an allergic reaction in a few people. You will be asked a series of questions before being given this injection for safety. You should inform a member of staff if you have had a reaction to the injection in the past.

Rarely, during the injection, the contrast agent leaks outside the vein and causes temporary swelling and discomfort (‘extravasation’). Further advice and instructions will be given if this occurs.

If your scan includes your liver, abdomen and/or pelvis please do not eat for 4 hours prior to your scan. You can drink normally. Diabetic patients can have something light to eat if required.

Please attend at the time on your appointment letter (check carefully the site where your appointment is) and check in with Radiology reception when you arrive.

You may be asked to drink water for 15 or 30 mins prior to your scan. A safety checklist will be completed with you and the procedure will be explained. You can ask questions at any time.

If a contrast injection is required, you will have a cannula inserted in one of your arms unless you have a Port or PICC line which we can use instead.

During the scan you will be asked to lie on the scanner bed where you will be made as comfortable as possible. You may be asked to remove any clothing that has metal zips or fasteners, but you will be covered over.

The Radiographer will connect your cannula to the contrast injector and, if possible, raise your arms above your head. You will be positioned within the CT scanner. Staff will leave the room but can always see and hear you via a connecting window and intercom. The scan takes a couple of minutes to complete but occasionally you may be with us longer.

Following updated safety guidance, there must now be at least a 4-hour gap between having contrast dye (injections) for a CT scan and an MRI scan. This helps your body process the contrast safely and reduces any risk to your kidneys.

For most patients, this means that CT and MRI scans requiring contrast will be arranged on different days.

If your doctor requires your scans to be performed on the same day, there will need to be a minimum 4-hour wait between them.

These changes are in place to ensure your care remains as safe and effective as possible.

If you have had an injection, you will be asked to wait in the waiting room for 30 minutes with the cannula still in place. You will be given a post-injection information sheet to read. Once the cannula has been removed, you will be free to go home. However, driving is not recommended for at least an hour after the injection, so it is important to consider this when organising your transport to the hospital. 

Your hospital consultant or doctor should have the scan report available at your next outpatient / telephone appointment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Radiology department at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre on 0151 556 5052.

Please note, we are unable to provide supervision for dependants (e.g. children).

Please be aware, we scan patients who have been referred for investigation of a range of conditions, not only for cancer, at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Paddington Community Diagnostic Centre. 

For general information you can contact the Cancer Information and Support team:

• Call 0151 318 8805
• Email the Cancer Information and Support team