Scanner or CT scan

Inside the scanner (which is in the form of a short tunnel), the X-ray emitter-receiver rotates around the part of the body to be examined as the table on which the patient is lying slides.

A CT scan uses X-rays to obtain cross-sectional images of the organs observed in order to study their shape, size and density.

A scan takes approximately 10-15 minutes (including undressing).

For some scans, it is at times necessary to inject, intravenously, an iodinated contrast product that is opaque to iodine rays, which enables better differentiation between healthy and cancerous tissues. In this case, the patient must not eat, drink, or smoke for three hours prior to the examination.

For some abdominal scans, the patient must drink an x-ray opaque material. This drink must go through the digestive tract, which explains why the appointment time is at times more than an hour before the examination.

You will lie on a mobile table that moves within the ring during the examination. You will be alone in the room, but you can communicate with the medical team behind the glass, who can intervene at any time.

If you have had an infusion, it will be removed unless there are special conditions.

The examination will be analyzed and a report will be written by the radiologist and sent as soon as possible to the physician who prescribed your examination.

The injection of contrast material may cause a sensation of heat in the body (hot flashes), a strange taste in the mouth and the need to urinate.

For patients suffering from renal insufficiency or diabetes, it is crucial to mention it when making the appointment (especially in case of injection of a contrast agent). Patients who are allergic to iodine must similarly mention it when making the appointment.

There are no special precautions to follow when returning home after a scan. You can eat and drink normally.

If you have had a contrast product, it is relevant to stay well hydrated during the 48 hours following the examination, meaning a consumption of 1.5L per day.