During the test
This test is usually done in a hospital or a clinic by a radiology technologist. This test is painless and usually takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
You will need to take off any jewelry because they might interfere with the clarity of images. You will be asked to lie very still on a table that slides into the central compartment of a CT machine. The X-ray tube will rotate around you to take X-ray images of your body from different angles. You may be asked to hold your breath while the machine is taking images. You will be able to speak with the technologist through an intercom.
After the test
You can resume your normal daily activities after the scan is complete. If you were given a contrast dye, you may be told to drink a lot of water to flush it out or be given other special instructions.
The CT scans will be reviewed by a radiologist, who will compose a report and forward it to your family doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you.
Ask your doctor when you can expect your test results to be made available.