The room may feel cool due to air conditioning used to maintain the equipment. Some kids may feel uncomfortable lying still for extended periods. After the scan is complete, your child will be asked to wait a few minutes so the technician can review the quality of the images.
If they're blurred, parts of the CAT scan may need to be redone. If your child required sedation, it will take a little while for the medicine to wear off. The CAT scan images will be looked at by a radiologist a doctor who is specially trained in reading and interpreting X-ray images. The radiologist will send a report to your child's doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean.
Results are usually ready in days. If the CAT scan was done on an emergency basis, the results can be made available quickly. In most cases, results can't be given directly to the patient or family at the time of the test. In general, CAT scans are very safe although more radiation is required than in a regular X-ray. Any exposure to radiation poses some risk to the body, but the amount used in an individual CAT scan procedure isn't considered dangerous. It's important to know that radiologists use the minimum amount of radiation required to get the best results.
If your daughter is pregnant, there's a risk of harm to the developing baby, so precautions must be taken. Contrast solutions are generally safe, with a very low incidence of allergic reactions. They may contain iodine, which might cause problems for kids with an iodine or shellfish allergy, and some other illnesses. Make sure to tell your doctor about any medication, dye, and food allergies that your child may have.
Some patients who are at risk for an allergic reaction to the contrast solution may need medications like antihistamines or steroids to minimize the risk of a reaction. If your child needs sedation, there's a slight chance of slowed breathing due to the medications. If there are any problems with the sedation, the CAT scan staff is prepared to treat them right away.
You can help your child prepare for a CAT scan by explaining the test in simple terms before the procedure. Talk to your doctor about all your health conditions before the test. For example, tell your doctor if:.
You may be asked to not eat any solid foods starting the night before your scan. The test will not cause pain.
But some people feel nervous inside the CT scanner. If a medicine to help you relax sedative or dye is used, you may feel a quick sting or pinch when the IV is started. The dye may make you feel warm and flushed and give you a metallic taste in your mouth. Some people feel sick to their stomach or get a headache. Tell the technologist or your doctor how you are feeling. Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse call line if you have any problems.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse call line if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to keep a list of the medicines you take. Ask your doctor when you can expect to have your test results. Author: Healthwise Staff. Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional.
Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Please turn on JavaScript and try again. Important Phone Numbers. Topic Contents What is it? Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your physician's practices. You may be asked to change into a patient gown.
A locked will be provided to secure all personal belongings. If you are to have a procedure done with contrast, an intravenous IV line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the contrast media. For oral contrast, you will be given a liquid contrast preparation to swallow. In some situations, the contrast may be given rectally.
You will lie on a scan table that slides into a large, circular opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps may be used to prevent movement during the procedure. The technologist will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. However, you will be in constant sight of the technologist through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will enable the technologist to communicate with and hear you. You may have a call button so that you can let the technologist know if you have any problems during the procedure.
The technologist will be watching you at all times and will be in constant communication. As the scanner begins to rotate around you, X-rays will pass through the body for short amounts of time. You will hear clicking sounds, which are normal. The X-rays absorbed by the body's tissues will be detected by the scanner and transmitted to the computer.
The computer will transform the information into an image to be interpreted by the radiologist. It will be important that you remain very still during the procedure. You may be asked to hold your breath at various times during the procedure.
If contrast media is used for your procedure, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. These effects usually last for a few moments. You should notify the technologist if you feel any breathing difficulties, sweating, numbness or heart palpitations. While the CT procedure itself causes no pain, having to lie still for the length of the procedure might cause some discomfort or pain, particularly in the case of a recent injury or invasive procedure such as surgery.
The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and complete the procedure as quickly as possible to minimize any discomfort or pain. If contrast dye was used during your procedure, you may be monitored for a period of time for any side effects or reactions to the contrast dye, such as itching, swelling, rash, or difficulty breathing.
Otherwise, there is no special type of care required after a CT scan of the abdomen. You may resume your usual diet and activities unless your doctor advises you differently. Your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. What are the reasons for a CT scan of the abdomen? There may be other reasons for your doctor to recommend a CT scan of the abdomen.
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