During the Procedure

Most CT scans are conducted as an outpatient procedure. You have the test and then go home.

• The CT scanner looks like a large donut with a narrow table in the middle. Unlike MRI, in which you would be placed inside the tunnel of the scanner, when undergoing a CT, you rarely experience claustrophobia because of the openness of the doughnut shape of the scanner. Typically you lie on your back on the table, which moves through the center of the machine. You move through the scanner either head first or feet first, depending on the part of the body being scanned. For certain scans such as sinuses and middle ear, you would lie on your stomach and go through head first.
  
  
• You must remain motionless for the length of the study, which is typically just a few minutes. The entire procedure, which includes set-up, the scan itself, checking the pictures, and removing the IV if needed, takes 15-45 minutes depending on what part of the body is being scanned.
  
  
  • For some studies, you will be asked to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds.
    
    
  • No metal may be worn.
    
    
  • What clothing you wear depends on the nature of the study. For a CT of the chest, abdomen, or pelvis, for example, usually you will change into a hospital gown. For a head CT, you can wear normal street clothes.
    
    
  • Sedation is rarely necessary. The machine is quiet, so all you hear during the test is a quiet whirr.
    
    
  • The technologist is in the next room and can observe you through a large window.

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