CT Scan

[rockyracoon]

My 12 year old son has to have a CT scan tomorrow, will they inject anything into him first? I need to prepare him before we get to the hospital.

Thanks for any replies. RR

[treetops1]

My daughter has had numerous scans over the years for epilepsy and never had an injection. I had a scan for tinitus symptoms( probably ruling out a tumour ) and was given an injection. This was half way through the scan not at the beginning. I think it must depend on what the operator feels at the time is needed.

[old-wos-is-name]

Him
Both my wife and I have had CT scans and were not injected with anything, but I suppose it may depend on what part of the body they are scanning.

[KJN]

Preparing for a CT scan

Your radiographer (a health professional trained to perform imaging procedures) will explain how to prepare for your scan.

CT scans are routinely done as an outpatient procedure. This means you will have the scan and go home the same day.

You may be asked not to eat or drink anything for a few hours beforehand, particularly if you’re having a CT scan of your abdomen (tummy). A dye called contrast medium may be used to make your tissues show up more clearly on the images produced by the scan. Depending on which area of your body needs to be scanned, you may swallow the contrast medium as a liquid, have it injected into a vein in your hand or arm, or have it inserted into your rectum (back passage). If you're given an injection of contrast medium, this usually gives a warm sensation that passes after a short time. Some people also get a feeling of needing to pass urine but this also goes away quickly.

Your radiographer will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after your scan. This is your opportunity to understand what will happen, and you can help yourself by preparing questions to ask about the risks, benefits and any alternatives to the procedure. This will help you to be informed, so you can give your consent for the procedure to go ahead. You must tell your radiographer if you have asthma, diabetes or kidney problems and let him or her know if you have any allergies – particularly to contrast medium. Also, if you have claustrophobia (an extreme or irrational fear of confined places), it's a good idea to mention this to your doctor or radiographer before the scan is started.

[Sqad]

Depends what the scan is looking for.....in all probability there will be no injection.

If you can give us a clue then a more direct answer can be given.

[xLilacFairyx]

I am actually getting one of these CT Scans tomorrow for pelvis and abdomin, and yes they will inject a contrast injection into the back of my hand. I have been pre-warned about this and the fact I cannot drink or eat anything for 3 hours prior to the scan.

Hope this helps

LF

[Old_Geezer]

No injection when I had one. Being fed into a tube can weird you out a bit though if nervous. May be best to explain what will go on and make light of it. One can always close ones eyes if a little claustrophobic. Or casting your eyes down to the opening at your feet can help.

[rockyracoon]

Many thanks for the replies, he has to have the scan on his head, mouth region as he has supernumaries in his upper gums that need to be removed, The consultant wanted the CT scan done so he knows exactly where they are so as not to put the gums through too much trauma, whilst he is taking them out.

[Euphemia]

I have had two CT scans which weren't at all unpleasant. Was not "fed through" tube.

[Sqad]

Thanks, in which case an injection is highly unlikely.

[rockyracoon]

Many thanks sqad.

[whatmeworry]

I have had a few CT scans, I always get sent a letter prior to the scan informing me of exactly what to expect.
In my case i have a dye that will show on the scan injected via a canula in my arm.
I am told not to eat or drink for 3h before but when i'm there i am always told that i could have drunk water.

I am astonished that you need to come on here to get advice that the hospital should be giving you.
Even a call to the hospital should get you the info you need that is specific to your sons scan

[rockyracoon]

Why astonished, this is a Q & A site with many knowledgable members. The hospital sent me a vague photocopied bit of paper saying an injection my be neccessary depending on what the scan is for, the info was not specific to individual patients.

[hopalong]

I had a CT Scan on my abdomin. I got a dye injected into me that made my inside go hot and clammy for a few seconds. IF he has the dye he will have to wait about 15 mintues before the needle wll be removed.

[rockyracoon]

Well he had the scan done yesterday morning, no injection and in and out very quickly, he was disappointed that he wasn't in the machine longer! Thanks all.