A CT scan or CAT scan (also called a computerized tomography scan) uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to create images of the inside of your child’s body. CT scans help physicians diagnose a wide range of conditions due to injury or illness, and monitor how well treatment is working for certain conditions.

A CT scan can show more detail than a traditional X-ray. CT images will show the soft tissue, blood vessels and bony anatomy in the body.

What to expect

You will receive specific instructions on how to prepare for your child’s scan when you schedule your appointment. The CT scan itself typically takes 5 to 15 minutes.

Please arrive before your child’s scheduled appointment time to allow for check-in and any questions you may have for our technical team. Please bring a photo ID with updated insurance information to the appointment. Because of our radiation safety practices, only one adult may accompany the child into the CT scan room. Others may wait in our waiting area.

Your child should wear comfortable clothes that do not have metallic buttons, zippers, snaps, pins, etc. Please make sure your child is not wearing any jewelry, including piercings.

Depending on the type of CT scan your child’s physician has requested, the technologist will give your child a contrast liquid either to drink or through an IV. The contrast is a special dye that will help to highlight the blood vessels, organs and other structures in the body the physician needs to see.

A radiology technologist will perform the CT scan. During the scan, your child will lie on a table inside a large, doughnut-shaped machine.

As the table slowly moves through the scanner, the X-rays rotate around the patient. Any movement will blur the pictures, so your child will be asked to stay very still. Anesthesia may be required for your child’s CT scan, depending on the specific exam your child’s physician has ordered. In most instances, our team will try to perform the scan without sedation.

After the scan, it is important that your child drink plenty of fluids to help flush any remaining contrast material out of his or her body.

Follow up

We will discuss follow up care at your clinic or procedure appointment. For diagnostic procedures, results will go to the doctor who referred you to us.