Skip to main content

Preparing for a CT Scan

Patient receiving a CT Scan

What is a CT scan?


A computed tomography scan (CT scan) uses computers and a moving X-ray machine to take pictures of the inside of the body. CTs can make detailed pictures of organs, soft tissues, blood vessels and bones. 

  • When it is time for your child’s CT, a staff person will get you and your child from the Radiology waiting room and walk you to another room or the CT room.
  • Your child will lay down on the CT camera bed. The CT tech will tell your child if they need to lay with their head or feet closest to the camera.
  • The CT tech will put a seatbelt over your child to keep them safe.
  • The bed will slowly move up and down and back and forth to get your child in the right place for their pictures.
  • You can stand next to your child during their CT scan. You will wear a lead apron.
    • If you are pregnant, you will need to wait outside of the room during the CT scan.
  • Your child will need to hold very still while the bed slowly moves in and out of the CT camera.
    • CT scans usually take 1-2 minutes.
    • Your child cannot talk or move during the CT scan.
    • They may be asked to hold their breath for part of the CT scan.
    • Your child can listen to music, look at a light up toy or look at something on your phone or tablet for distraction during their CT scan.
    • If your child cannot hold still for their CT scan, they will need to be scheduled for a CT scan with sedation on a different day.
  • The CT tech will be behind a window controlling the CT camera.
    • They will be able to see and talk to your child during the CT scan.
    • The CT tech will make sure they get the pictures they need.
  • When your child is all done with their CT scan, the CT tech will help your child get up.
  • The CT scan results will be given to your doctor that requested the CT scan within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will give you the results of the CT scan. Please do not call Radiology for your results.  
  • If your child needs oral contrast for their CT, a CT technologist (tech) will meet you and your child in the waiting room and will give your child a flavored drink with contrast mixed in it. They will tell you how much time your child has to drink it.
  • When it is time for your child’s CT, a staff person will get you and your child from the Radiology waiting room and walk you to another room or the CT room.
  • Next, a nurse or CT tech will give your child an IV. An IV is a small, flexible tube that goes into a vein in the arm or hand. They can use numbing medicine for the IV that helps your child not to feel the poke from the IV as much. Learn more information about the IV process.
  • Your child will lay down on the CT camera bed. The CT tech will tell your child if they need to lay with their head or feet closest to the camera.
  • The CT tech will put a seatbelt over your child to keep them safe.
  • The bed will slowly move up and down and back and forth to get your child in the right place for their pictures.
  • You can stand next to your child during their CT scan. You will wear a lead apron.
    • If you are pregnant, you will need to wait outside of the room during the CT scan.
  • Your child will need to hold very still while the bed slowly moves in and out of the CT camera.
    • CT scans usually take 1-2 minutes.
    • Your child cannot talk or move during the CT scan.
    • They may be asked to hold their breath for part of the CT scan.
    • Your child can listen to music, look at a light up toy or look at something on your phone or tablet for distraction during their CT scan.
    • If your child cannot hold still for their CT scan, they will need to be scheduled for a CT scan with sedation on a different day.
  • During the CT scan, your child will get contrast through their IV. The contrast may:
    • give them a metal taste in their mouth.
    • make their tummy feel warm.
    • make them feel like they are peeing their pants.
    • These feelings usually only last a few minutes and are completely normal.
  • The CT tech will be behind a window controlling the CT camera.
    • They will be able to see and talk to your child during the CT scan.
    • The CT tech will make sure they get the pictures they need.
  • When your child is all done with their CT scan, the CT tech will help your child get up.
  • Next, they will take off the tape holding the IV in place and slide out the IV tube.
    • If your child has an appointment after their CT scan and you think they may need the IV, you can ask staff not to take out the IV.
  • The CT scan results will be given to your doctor that requested the CT scan within 24-48 hours. Your doctor will give you the results of the CT scan. Please do not call Radiology for your results.

Helpful tips

  • Encourage your child to practice lying still at home for 1-3 minutes at a time.
  • Encourage your child to practice holding their breath if they are having a chest CT scan.
  • Be sure your child does not wear anything metal in the area they are getting the CT scan.
    • For example:
      • do not wear earrings when getting a head CT scan.
      • do not wear a bra with metal when getting a chest CT scan.
      • do not wear a necklace when getting a neck CT scan.
  • Your child can bring a stuffed animal or other comfort item from home.
  • Please do not bring any other children. Other children are not allowed in the room during the CT scan.

Questions

If you have any questions or information you would like to share before your child’s CT scan, call (816) 234-3964.

Medical Imaging Menu
Children's Mercy Kansas City   /    Departments and Clinics   /    Medical Imaging   /    Medical Imaging: Types of Imaging   /   Preparing for a CT Scan