CT scans are investigations that can be used to help doctors make a diagnosis or assess the effects of treatment. Your doctor will recommend a CT scan based on the type of disease you have and the information needed.

CT scans use X-rays to produce the images and the X-ray dose for each scan is kept to a minimum for your safety. The benefits of having a CT scan outweigh the risk of exposure to radiation, as the information obtained from the scan will contribute to your treatment. However, you should not have a CT scan if you are pregnant. Please intimate the staff before the scan, accordingly.

During the scan, an injection of fluid (contrast ) is often given into a vein in your hand. This helps to provide clearer images. Though this dye is usually free of any side effects, occasionally someone can have an allergic reaction. This is more common in dehydrated patients and those who have asthma or allergy to other drugs. Please inform the staff at the reception and also at the CT scanning department if you fall into any of these groups so that special precautions can be taken, such as administration of pre-medicative drugs. This will prevent allergic reaction.

In the unlikely event that you do have an allergic reaction, our well trained staff will manage this situation. Please note that you will be given a consent form before the scan, explaining the risks involved in the language of your choice. You are required to sign this form after reading and understanding it. Please feel free to clarify any doubts that you might have from the staff, before signing the consent form.

The scan itself will take between 5-15 minutes, depending on the complexity of the scan. Generally you should expect to be in the Centre for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours. Occasionally we need to scan a patient urgently which may result in a small delay. However we will keep you informed, should this happen.

You will be asked to lie on a cushioned table, which will move slowly through the scanner to allow pictures to be taken at different angles. The machine makes a gentle noise while scanning. A cannula (small tube) will be inserted into a vein before you go into the scan room or a small needle will be inserted into a vein during the scan. An injection of fluid (contrast medium) is often given into a vein in your hand. This helps to provide clearer images.

You may experience a warm or flushing sensation during the injection, an occasional metallic or tingling taste in the mouth. These side effects usually last for only a few seconds.

For some scans, you may be asked to hold your breath for short periods. A member of the scanning team will give you instructions about your breathing and let you know what is happening at each stage of the scan. During the scan, the Radiographer and the doctor(Radiologist) will be able to see you from the control room and you can talk to each other through an intercom.

As soon as the scan is completed, you can get dressed. You may eat ,drink and drive as usual. You will be advised to stay back in the centre for about half an hour if contrast was injected during scan. Meanwhile our front office staff will assist in payment process and intimate the time when the report will be ready. You are advised to drink plenty of fluids to flush out the contrast, which later gets excreted in the urine.

The images acquired during scan must be carefully interpreted by a Radiologist who is an expert in this field. The Radiologist will prepare the final report which you can collect along with the films. This may take a few hours to 1-2 days, depending upon the complexity of case, and will be intimated to you either by the front office staff.