How is the procedure performed?

The technologist begins by positioning the patient on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on his/her back, but sometimes in other positions. Straps and pillows may be used to help the patient maintain the correct position and to hold still during the exam.

You should encourage your child to report any discomfort during positioning because it is important to keep very still during the exam. Once the child is correctly positioned, the CT technologist will go to the adjacent room, seen through the window, to begin the scan.

If contrast material is used, depending on the type of exam, it will be swallowed, injected through an intravenous line (IV) or, rarely, administered by enema.

Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed. Depending on the type of CT scan, the machine may make several passes.

Patients may be asked to hold their breath during the scanning, especially if the chest is being scanned.

Most children older than six years are able to hold their breath long enough to complete the scan although they may need coaching and practice. Younger children may not be able to hold their breath long enough to complete the scan. It is better in this circumstance to have young children breathe quietly and regularly during the scan.

When the examination is completed, the patient will be asked to wait until the technologist determines that the images are of high enough quality for the radiologist to read.