CT scan

Here you will get information about ct-examination. The abbreviation ct means "Computer Tomography. The name is derived from the technique used. A ct scan is made with X-rays just like a regular X-ray. The beam of X-rays used is very narrow. Therefore, it is possible to image thin "slices" of the body. All the thin "slices" together give a complete image of the part of the body being examined. We can process the "slices" with a computer. This allows the doctor to view the part of the body being examined from other directions as well. This is not possible with ordinary X-rays.

Preparation expand, click to open

The staff member making the appointment with you will tell you what preparation is important for your examination. The preparation and information varies for each examination. For example, some studies require you to be sober or present earlier. Below you will find specific ct study leaflets and videos. We recommend that you read the leaflet for your ct examination carefully. Click on one of the patient leaflets below:

Below are several animations of the CT exams performed in the Radiology Department. Click on the image to view the animation.

CT examination without contrast medium

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CT examination with contrast medium

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CT examination of the small intestine

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CT examination of the heart

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CT examination of the urinary tract (CT IVP)

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CT examination with guided puncture

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CT examination of the pancreas (CT pancreas)

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Medication
You may take medication as usual with a glass of water.

Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, the examination cannot take place. The examination may be harmful to the unborn child. If you are or suspect you are pregnant, please contact the radiology department at 088 - 7558855 for further consultation.

Contrast medium
Before administering contrast medium, it is important to know whether your kidney function is good. We determine this with a blood test. Ask your doctor if this applies to you. This blood test should be done at least one hour before the CT scan so that we know the results in time.

Eating, drinking and smoking
Before a general ct scan, you may eat, drink and smoke. Are you coming for a ct-heart, ct-thin bowel or ct-guided puncture? If so, you must be sober.

Information for children:

During the examination expand, click to open

The lab technician will pick you up from the waiting room and take you to the changing room. In the changing room, if necessary, you can undress and remove any jewelry. This area will be locked.

In the examination room you will be seated on a narrow examination table. This table slides through the opening of the CT scanner during the examination. During the scanning, the X-ray machine rotates in circles. As a result, you will hear a buzzing sound. To avoid moving images, it is important that you lie still.

To make blood vessels and organs more visible, we sometimes use contrast medium. You receive this fluid through an infusion. This fluid can make you feel warm all over your body. This disappears after a few minutes.

The lab technician will make several scans. During the scanning, you lie alone in the examination room. This is because the X-rays are harmful to the lab technicians because they work with them every day. X-rays are not harmful if X-rays are taken occasionally. Through a window, the lab technicians keep an eye on you during scanning. There is also an intercom so you can talk to each other. The lab technician will give you instructions through the intercom during the examination.

Duration of the examination
Usually the examination takes 20-30 minutes. If you do not receive contrast medium, the examination is finished within 5 minutes.

After the examination drop-down, click to open

If you have had an injection of contrast medium

The contrast medium disappears from your body naturally through urine. To get rid of the contrast medium quickly, it is important that you drink a lot after the examination.

The results

You will not receive the results right away. The radiologist evaluates the images after the examination and draws up a report. Your treating physician will discuss the final results with you.

Contact expand, click to open

On weekdays after 5 p.m. and at weekends, you can reach us via the UMC Utrecht central number, tel. 088-755 5555.