Computed tomography

What is a CT scan?

While much information can be obtained from a regular X-ray, specific detail about internal organs and other structures is not available. With computerized tomography scan (also called CT or CAT scan), an X-ray beam moves in a circle around the body. This allows for many different views of the same organ or structure and provides much greater detail. The X-ray information is sent to a computer, which interprets the data and displays it in two-dimensional form on a monitor.

What happens during the CT scan?

CT scans may be done with or without contrast. Contrast is a medicine that helps doctors more clearly see the organs and tissue. Contrast is given by having your child drink it with juice or soda or through an intravenous (IV) line. Sometimes it is given both ways.

When it is time for the CT scan, your child will be brought to the room where the CT

scanner is kept. The scanner looks like a big donut. Some children call it a spaceship. The technologist will help your child lie down on a table. Pillows may be used to make your child feel comfortable and keep him or her in the right position.

Your child must lie very still during the scan. If it is hard for your child to hold still, the nurse may give medicine to make your child sleepy. This medicine is called sedation.

When your child is comfortable, the technologist will slide the table into the middle of

the scanner. Your child won't feel anything unusual during the scan. The technologist and nurse will use a TV camera to watch your child. They will use a microphone to talk to your child. The scan itself only takes a few minutes.

Your child will be able to go home after the scan is completed. There are no special care needs after the CT scan unless your child was given sedation for the scan. If your child was given sedation, you will receive special care instructions.

Your doctor will get the results of the test within three days. The doctor will share the results with you and your family.

Special precautions

If your child was given medicine for sleep, he or she will be able to leave the hospital a short time after waking up. He or she may still feel sleepy or dizzy for a few hours after the scan. Have your child stay home and rest for the day. Your child may play quiet games, but should not do activities such as riding a bike or climbing.

How should I prepare my child for the scan?

Your care provider will give you detailed instructions about preparing your child for this scan. You also will receive a letter with instructions and a phone call on the day before the scan.

To keep your child safe during the sedation, do not let your child eat or drink anything before the CT scan. Use the guide below which is based on age:

0- 5 months old:

• No food, milk, formula or breast milk four hours before the scan.
• May have clear liquids two to four hours before the scan. Clear liquids include apple juice, water or Pedialyte.
• Nothing to eat or drink two hours before the scan.

6 months and older:

• No food, milk, formula or breast milk six hours before the scan.
• May have clear liquids two to four hours before the scan. Clear liquids include apple juice, water, white soda, Pedialyte, popsicles, clear broth, Gatorade and Jell-O without fruit.
• Nothing to eat or drink two hours before the scan.

If you feel that your child is old enough to lie still and will not need sedation, but your child is having a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, please follow the following instructions:

• Nothing to eat or drink four hours before the scan. You child will need to drink contrast and wait before the pictures are taken.
• If you child does not feel well, it may be hard to lie still. If your child has a cold or is sick on the day of the appointment, we may not be able to give your child sedation. Please call the CT Department at (414) 266-3200. Your child's appointment may need to be changed to another day.
• There is a chance that your child will need to be given contrast or medicine through an IV. Please prepare him or her for this possibility.

• If your child is having a CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis, please be at the hospital one hour before your appointment time. Your child will need to drink contrast mixed with a beverage of choice prior to the scan.
• For all other CT scans, please be at the hospital 30 minutes before your appointment time. Getting to the hospital early will give you time to register and ask questions. The CT nurse or technologist will be there to talk with you and your child.

Visit our teaching sheets page to learn more about preparing for your child's test.

Learn more about CT.