Having a CT Scan (8 - 16 years)
A CT scanner is a special type of x-ray that uses radiation to see inside your body and produce a 3D picture.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is energy that comes from a source and travels through space at the speed of light. Most of the radiation created in space is filtered by the earth’s atmosphere to protect us. Natural radiation comes from space and is called cosmic radiation and can be found in things such as sunlight (UV rays). Low doses of background radiation can also come from mobile phones and flying on airplanes.
The Radiographer that you will meet will ensure that you are given the smallest amount of radiation possible in order to find out if there is anything wrong.
Preparing for the scan
You may need to get changed out of your clothing if they have metal bits, like a zip. We will give you a hospital gown to wear. Your accompanying adult can stay with you, but they will need to put on a special apron.
About the scan
The CT scanner is a big machine that has several moving parts and a big hole in the centre, just like a doughnut!
You will need to lie down on the table in the middle of the doughnut hole and the table will slide in and out of the doughnut. While the machine takes pictures, it moves around you and it will make a noise that sounds like a washing machine. The Radiographer can talk to you through a speaker, and can see and hear you.
Information for Parents, Carers, Guardians and Accompanying Adults
A CT takes about 10 to 20 minutes and shows much more details than ordinary x-rays. Depending on their age, it may be possible to wear a lead apron and sit with the child/young person during the scan.
Your clinician will have assessed whether this is the best type of scan in order for them to get the images and information that they need to help with their care, and they have decided that the benefit of having this done is far greater than any possible risks of the small amount of radiation involved. Please be reassured that the radiographers will always use the smallest amount of radiation possible to obtain the required images.
Due to safeguarding considerations, it is not possible for our staff to provide childcare arrangements. We recommend that if you need to bring children with you that another responsible adult is available to take care of them, otherwise this may result in the examination being postponed.
A Radiologist will review the images from the CT scan and write a report that will be sent back to the clinician that referred the child/young person for the scan.
For more information regarding radiation doses please review the www.gov.uk website.
More information
Contact the department: 0121 812 3370 /