CT scan
Overview
A CT scan is usually used to diagnose a condition, such as cancer, or to check how well treatment is working.
Before you have a CT scan you may be asked to take certain medicines, or do things like not eat (fast) or not wear clothing with metal in it.
A CT scan involves lying flat on a bed while a ring-shaped CT scanner moves over your body taking pictures. It usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
It usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks to get your CT scan results. You may need a follow-up appointment to talk about your results.
It's rare to have complications of a CT scan, but there's a very small chance of cancer if you have lots of scans.
Page last reviewed: 08/11/2023
Next review due: 08/11/2026