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CT Patient’s Guide Preparing for your scan The Procedure

Your doctor has referred you for a CT scan at • If possible wear loose fitting clothes • A will escort you to a room in CISC located at the University of Sussex, without metal zips/fasteners and minimal the scanning area and take a short Falmer Campus. jewellery. If you would prefer, we are medical history. able to provide suitable clothing. • At this point you will be asked to remove What is a CT scan? • If you are running late or unable to any metallic objects, including clothing attend you must contact us and jewellery. Computed (CT) is an imaging IMMEDIATELY. • In some cases, intravenous contrast may technique using X-rays to produce a 3- • Arrive 15 minutes prior to your be administered as part of the scan dimensional image of your (CT), this appointment. protocol. This is achieved by putting a allows your consultant to visualise your internal small needle into a in your before organs without the need for an invasive Arriving for your Scan the scan through which the contrast will be procedure. Scans usually take up to 30mins to injected. If you require contrast, the perform. • Travel and parking instructions can be radiographer will explain this process in downloaded from the website: more detail. When your appointment is made www.bsms.ac.uk/research/cisc/ • You will then be taken into the scan room, information-for-patients/ we will need to know if any of the where you will lie on your back with your following applies to you: • If you are in need of assistance please supported above your head. In contact CISC reception. certain circumstances we may scan you • with your arms by your side. The scan usually takes 15-30 minutes, • Difficulty tolerating MRI or CT Scans due • to claustrophobia • It is very important that you keep very still during the entire scan. • Difficulty lying flat with two or less pillows • You may need to hold your breath for short periods of time during the scan, for • An allergy to (this can present as a which you will receive instructions. seafood allergy or allergy to iodine based skin disinfectants such as betadine) Renal disease • • High blood pressure

• In need of hospital transport

After your scan Self-Funded Patients

• Once the scan is completed you will be If you are paying for your CT scan with your given a disc of your results and you will be own funds, there are now three options able to leave the centre straight away. available for payment: CT: Patient Information

• If you have been given I.V. contrast as part 1. Debit / Credit card of the scan, it will be necessary for you to 2. Cheque remain in the department for 1 hour. 3. BACS payment

Risks Please call Nigel Day on 01444 483 649 to discuss which options are most convenient for During your CT scan you will be exposed to X- you. rays. There is a risk involved in any exposure to this form of radiation; however the Questions? risks associated with this are minimal and will have been properly considered by the doctor If you have any questions or concerns who authorised the scan. regarding your appointment please contact us University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RR on the appropriate number (see front page). If you are given contrast as a part of your scan, there are known complications associated with Contact Information allergic responses. It is important, if you believe you may have an iodine allergy, to CISC CT Centre: 01273 876727 (Procedure enquiries) notify your consultant and the as soon as possible. www.bsms.ac.uk/cisc/

Results email: [email protected]

A report will be issued to your referring Opening hours 8.30-17.00 consultant within 1 week. Please read the following carefully as it contains important information regarding your scan

Version1 09/08/2012 review 08/2014