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Preparation
You will have your test in the x-ray department. You may be asked to take off most of your clothes and put on a hospital gown.
The person carrying out the test (a doctor or radiographer) will explain what is going to happen, and answer any questions you have.
You may have an injection or drink of a special liquid called contrast medium. This helps the doctor or radiographer to get the clearest possible scan pictures. Afterwards the liquid passes harmlessly out of the body.
Rarely – depending on the part of the body being scanned – liquid may be put into the rectum (back passage), or a tampon may be put into a woman’s vagina. The procedure varies from hospital to hospital.
The test
To have the scan done, you lie on your back on a couch.
The scanner is shaped like a large polo mint. Once you are ready, the couch starts to move through it very slowly.
The test doesn’t hurt, but you may feel a bit uncomfortable because you have to lie still on the firm couch.
You may be asked to follow some instructions – for example, you may need to hold your breath for a few seconds.
The scan itself may take anything from a minute or two, up to half an hour. It depends on the type of machine being used. However, your visit will take longer than this – for example you may be asked to arrive a little while beforehand to prepare for the test.
