CT (Computed Tomography) Scan
Explanation | Before | During | After
What is a CT (Computed Tomography) scan?
A CT scan is a type of x-ray that takes pictures of the structures inside your child's body.
Procedure
The procedure will not hurt or touch your child, but your child will need to be very still. If he is unable to lie still, sedation medicines may be given either by mouth or in the vein to make him sleepy.
Getting ready for the test
Depending on the area of the body being imaged and the age of the child, your child may not have any food or any liquids to drink (called NPO) including water, for 4 hours before the test. If food or liquids have been consumed, the test will be canceled and rescheduled for a later time.
If your child is having a scan of the abdomen or pelvis, he may be asked to drink Hypague", a special dye or contrast medicine, on the night before and the day of the scan. This is a special dye flavored with Kool-Aid". If your child is an outpatient, you will need to obtain the contrast from the outpatient pharmacy. Specific instructions will be given to you regarding the time when your child is to be NPO and when to give Hypaque". If your child has any allergies, please tell the nurse or technician before your child consumes the contrast. Parents are asked to remain in the waiting room, so they will not be exposed to radiation from the CT scan.
For most scans a contrast dye is injected by needle into the vein of your child's hand or arm. This dye makes the organs, blood vessels and the tumor show up clearly on the pictures. Side effects of the contrast dye include feeling warm all over, nausea, or having a metallic taste in your mouth. Your child will lie down on a soft table which moves depending on the area of the body to be scanned. For scans of the abdomen, the arms may be placed above the head so they are not in the picture. Patients must be very still while the pictures are taken.
The technician will move the table just inside the scanner opening and then go into another room to take the pictures. While the scanner is taking pictures the machine makes a whirling sound similar to a clothes dryer. The pictures are observed on a monitor to be certain they are clear. The technician will always be able to see your child through a window and to talk to him.
After the test
After the test and depending upon specific instructions from your child's physician, your child may eat, play, and go back to school as soon as he is fully awake.
Contact us
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
Patient Education Program III 3001 4/87
Revised 5/05, 5/07
