Chest CT Scan

Chest CT Scan


About chest CT scans

A chest CT (computed tomography) scan is an X-ray scan using a special X-ray machine and computer. This scan creates pictures of thin slices or segments of the chest. Your doctor has ordered this scan to help diagnose a problem that you may be having. In some cases, a medicine, called contrast, will be injected through a small needle or an intravenous (IV) line. This medicine allows certain parts of your body to show up on the CT scan, such as veins and arteries.
 

Preparing for the CT scan

  • If you are not on any fluid restrictions from your doctor, you will need to increase the amount of water you drink the evening before your test. You should drink at least 5  (8-ounce) glasses of water or until your urine looks clear. This will help flush the contrast medicine from your body when the test is finished.
  • You should continue to drink water the day of your scan, so your urine continues to appear clear.
  • You may take your normal medicines, unless you have been told to stop or make any medicine changes.
  • If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about any medicines you take and whether those medicines need to be changed before your CT scan.


Have questions about radiation?

At The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, we work hard to make sure you receive the lowest dose of radiation possible for your test. The radiation doses for our tests are lower than national averages and some of the lowest in the area. The dose you receive will be on the report from the radiologist.
 

Pregnant or allergic to contrast?

Tell the radiology technologist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.

Tell the radiology technologist if you have an allergy to contrast medicines.
 

Need to reschedule or have other questions?

If you are not able to keep your appointment, call radiology scheduling at 614-293-4333. Please call us with any other questions you have.
 

Day or your appointment

  • Arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time.
  • Please bring a list of your medicines to your appointment. Include prescriptions and over the counter medicines, herbal products and vitamins.
  • Bring your photo ID and insurance card with you.
  • You may be asked to remove jewelry or change into a hospital gown.
  • A registered technologist will review your medical and surgical history with you.
  • Before your scan, we may check your kidney function. We may check your pregnancy status if you are a woman of childbearing age.
     

During your scan

  • A technologist will help you onto the CT table and position you to be as comfortable as possible for the scan.
  • You will be asked to hold your breath and to stay still while the images are taken.
  • If you need contrast medicine for your scan, it will be injected through a small needle or an intravenous (IV) line. You may get a warm feeling when the contrast medicine is injected. This is normal and goes away after a few seconds. Please tell the technologist if you have any other unusual sensations or feelings.
  • If you have a subcutaneous (under the skin) port that is power injectable, bring documentation with you that states your port is power injectable and tell your technologist.
  • Be prepared to be in the Radiology Department for 30 minutes for your scan.
     

After your scan

  • If you have no other tests scheduled, you will be able to go back to your normal diet and activities. No special care is needed.
  • If you had contrast medicine, drink 8 (8-ounce) cups of liquid, such as, water, apple juice, or Sprite, to flush the contrast medicine out of your body. Limit the amount of caffeine you drink.
  • The radiologist, a doctor who specializes in radiology, will study your images very carefully and send a final report to your doctor.
  • If you have any problems or questions after your scan, call your doctor.

 

© 2001 - January 20, 2023, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or health care team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.