CT Scan

A computerized tomography (toe-MOG-ruff-ee) scan, also called a CAT scan or CT scan, uses X-rays and a computer to take detailed pictures of the organs and bones. These pictures look like cross-sections or “slices” of the body that are then put together by the computer.

• CT scans can help doctors find problems in the body that they cannot learn from a physical examination.
• CT scans also let doctors to check to see how well the body is responding to treatment.
• CT scans involve radiation exposure.

You may want to practice lying still with your child for periods of 5 to 10 minutes at a time prior to your child’s scheduled scan. This practice may help prevent your child from needing sedation medication.

You may want to bring along a “comfort” item—such as a favorite stuffed animal or “blankie”—for your child to hold during the scan. You may also bring your child’s favorite movie or DVD to watch during the exam.

Depending on what part of your child’s body is being scanned, there may be important instructions on things to do or not do the day before and the day of your child’s CT. Please follow the specific instructions given to you by your doctor before the scan. Items such as jewelry, zippers, specific clothing items or glitter could interfere with the diagnostic exam and may need to be removed before imaging.

Your child’s doctor may order sedation medication for your child, but it may not be needed. The Department of Pediatric Radiology staff will make every effort to relax your child with music therapy, room decorations, and visual distraction during the scan, which can shorten your child's scan time and make sedation unnecessary.

The CT scan will be done at the Department of Pediatric Radiology of Children’s Hospital by a CT technologist who is specially trained to do CT scans on children. In the scan room, you will see the CT machine and a long table that will slide into the tube-shaped or tunnel-like scanner where the camera is located.

• Your child will be asked to lie down on the table.
• The CT technologist will place a wide strap across your child’s waist to help your child remain still during the test. The CT technologist will help your child place his or head in the headrest.
• The CT technologist will, when appropriate, place a lead cover over your child.
• Once your child is in position on the table, the CT technologist will move the table into the CT scanner so that the right body part is under the camera.
• At times during the CT scan, the staff will not be in the scanner room with you but will be in a room nearby where the equipment controls are located. They will be able to see you and your child through a large window and will be watching him or her constantly during the scan. An intercom system will allow you to talk to them and vice versa.
• The CT scanner may make some noises as it takes the pictures. The noise is similar to a washing machine during the spin cycle.
• Once the scan begins, your child will need to stay very still at all times to make sure the pictures turn out clear. Depending on his or her age, your child may be asked to hold his or her breath for a few seconds. The CT technologist then will tell your child when to breathe out.
• Certain pictures for some CT scans require a special liquid dye.
• This liquid dye is called “contrast.” If your child has ever had a reaction to any contrast dye, or if he or she is allergic to iodine, please let your doctor know immediately.
• The decision as to whether your child will receive contrast will be made by the radiology doctor who will be overseeing the test.
• Depending on the part of the body that the contrast is needed for, it will be given to your child either by mouth and/or through an intravenous line. The IV will be placed in a vein in your child’s hand, arm, or foot, depending on his or her age.
• If your child must drink the contrast, he or she will be given three full cups. Your child must drink each cup 30 minutes apart from each other. The contrast will be mixed into a non-carbonated beverage. Feel free to bring a favorite from home for the exam.
• The contrast will be mixed into a non-carbonated beverage. Feel free to bring a favorite from home to help make the drinking process easier.
• If your child is given the contrast through an IV, just after the contrast goes into the vein, he or she may feel a flush of warmth as well as a funny taste in the back of his or her mouth. The warm feeling and the funny taste are normal and will go away shortly.
• When the scan is finished, the table will slide out of the scanner.
• If your child received medication for relaxation or sleep, he or she will be taken to the recovery area to be watched until the medication wears off and he or she is awake again. If an IV was placed, it will be taken out after the scan by a nurse in the recovery area once your child is awake.
• If your child was awake during the CT scan and an IV was placed for contrast, it will be taken out by a nurse after the test.
• The scan usually takes about 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the body area or part that is undergoing the test.

As a parent, you may have concerns about radiation exposure. Children’s Hospital takes every precaution to make sure your child is safe.

• Our goal is to do the test correctly and thoroughly, while exposing your child to the smallest amount of radiation necessary to do the CT scan.
• Advances in equipment and film have lowered the amount of radiation your child will receive.
• All the equipment is inspected regularly.
• Parts of the body that are not being scanned will be protected with a lead cover when possible.

We welcome your help and support during this scan. One parent or guardian is invited to join your child in the exam room and scan room. Other adults and children must stay in the waiting area.

• If your child will be having sedation, you will be asked as the parent or legal guardian to sign a consent form before the sedation is given.
• The CT scan involves the use of radiation. Women who are pregnant or believe they may be pregnant should limit their exposure to X-rays. In this case, please bring another adult who can stay with your child during the scan.
• The most important role of a parent and guardian during the test is to help your child stay calm and relaxed. It is important that your child remains still during the scan.
• The best way to help your child stay calm is for you to remain calm.
• You may bring a favorite toy or something else he or she finds comforting.
• We encourage you to talk to your child and hold his or her hand for reassurance during the scan.
• Please follow the instructions of the doctor, nurse, or CT technologist. They will show you where to sit or stand during the scan.
• You must wear a protective lead apron during the CT scan.
• At times during the scan, the staff will not be in the room with you, but an intercom in the room will allow you to talk to them, and vice versa.
• If your child starts to move or wakes up during the scan, please tell the medical staff by using the intercom.
• If an IV must be placed, you can help by reassuring and calming your child. Please tell the staff of ways that they might also help in keeping your child calm.  
• Please do not distract the medical team or interrupt the scan in any way. 
• We welcome your questions, but please ask them either before or after the scan.
• If your child needed sedation medication, you should gather all of your belongings after the scan is finished so he or she can be taken immediately to the recovery area. Your child will stay in the recovery area until the medication wears off. The length of time it takes the medication to wear off will vary, as some children take longer than others to become alert. The minimum amount of time spent in recovery is 1 hour.
  

A report of your child’s scan will be sent to the doctor who ordered it, usually within 48 hours. If the results are urgent, the referring doctor will be contacted immediately.

• Please contact the doctor who ordered the scan for the results.
• If your child did not receive sedation, then no special follow-up care for your child is necessary.
• If your child did receive sedation, please refer to the “Parent Information on Sedation” guide for follow-up care.
  

If your child has any special needs or health issues you feel the doctor performing the scan needs to know about, please call the Department of Pediatric Radiology at Children’s before the test and ask to speak with a nurse. It is important to notify us in advance about any special needs.

Preparing your child beforehand, as well as comforting your child during the test, will help your child have a more positive experience.  Sometimes it is difficult to know how to explain tests to children.  If you have any questions about ways to prepare or support your child or feel your child will have difficulty during the test, please call the Department of Pediatric Radiology at Children’s and ask to speak with the Child Life Specialist.

• Getting a CT Scan (PDF)
• Getting a CT Scan with General Anesthesia (PDF)
• Getting a CT Scan with Contrast (PDF)