How do I get my results? . The results of your scan will be sent to the doctor who referred you X- for the scan. If you are in any doubt which doctor referred you for Ray Department University Hospital of North Durham the CT scan please ask the radiographer. North Road Durham Any other Questions? DH1 5TW Telephone (0191) 3332943 If you have any questions or problems regarding the CT scan please telephone (0191) 3332493 Patient Information (CT – Computerised Tomography) What do I do if I need an ambulance? Your doctor has requested that you have a C.T. scan. This guide If you require an ambulance please contact your G.P’s surgery to will help to explain the procedure to you and answer the questions arrange it. most frequently asked by patients. Car Parking What is a C.T. scan? Car parking charges are in operation at this hospital. A limited C.T. stands for Computerised Tomography. It is sometimes referred number of parking spaces for the disabled are available and are to as a CAT (Computerised Axial Tomography) scan. It is a clearly marked. It is extremely important that you attend promptly for sophisticated x-ray which produces cross-sectional pictures of any your appointment. Please allow plenty of time for parking. Failure to part of the body using a fine beam of x-rays. attend on time may result in a cancelled examination. N.B. if you have difficulty walking, and you are arriving by car, you . may be dropped off outside the main entrance of the hospital What does the machine look like? PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU BRING YOUR APPOINTMENT The scanning unit is slim and the opening is quite wide. You will not LETTER WITH YOU feel confined in any way.

How does it work? As part of a shared service agreement with other NHS organisations {in the area}, your radiology images and records may be shared with these other organisations as part of determining and providing your care. If you would like to know more about the extent CT works using an x-ray system that rotates around you, taking of this sharing, or you wish us not to share at all with another organisation, or have any cross-section pictures of your body. These pictures are then other concerns about it, please contact a member of staff.’ converted by a computer into diagnostic images of the body structures and organs. How long will the scan take? What happens when I arrive at the CT department?

The actual time you are in the scanner is very short. Please report to the reception area in the x-ray department where you will be directed to the CT waiting room. A Will I receive an injection? radiographer/radiographic assistant will call your name and take you to a more private area. The radiographer will explain the procedure Sometimes it is necessary, in order to highlight parts of the body, for to you and you may ask any questions. You may be asked to you to have an injection of a contrast medium (type of dye) into a change into a gown and to remove any jewellery. You can keep vein in your arm. You may feel a warm sensation as the dye is your clothes and personal belongings with you. However, if possible, being injected. You will feel no ill effects from the injection. It does PLEASE LEAVE ALL VALUABLES AT HOME. not make you feel sleepy. It will not prevent you from driving. The University Hospital of North Durham does not accept N.B. If you have any known allergies, e.g. asthma, hay-fever or responsibility for loss of any clothing, money, valuables or personal use any inhalers or if you are diabetic please inform the x-ray possessions belonging to staff or members of the public. department as soon as you receive this appointment. What happens next? What preparation is required before my CT scan? During the examination you will be asked to lie on the scanner table. You may be asked not to eat for a few hours prior to having the The table will then move into the scanner so that the pictures can be scan. However if you are diabetic please eat and drink as taken. During the scan you will be asked to keep still. The normal. When you arrive in the x-ray department you may be asked radiographer may ask you to hold your breath (only for a few to drink an orange flavoured preparation containing a contrast seconds) while the pictures are being taken. A number of pictures medium (type of dye) to outline your digestive system and enhance will be taken and the table will be moved slightly each time. The the quality of your scan. radiographer will be in constant contact with you both visually and through an intercom system.

How will I feel afterwards? CT SCANNING, AS WITH ALL PROCEDURES INVOLVING THE USE OF X-RAYS, SHOULD NOT BE PERFORMED DURING The examination will make no difference to how you feel. If you wish PREGNANCY. IF YOU SUSPECT OR KNOW YOU ARE to return to work you may do so. You may eat and drink normally PREGNANT PLEASE INFORM THE STAFF BEFORE THE SCAN. after the scan.