CT Scan of the Chest

You may have a chest CT scan as an outpatient. Or you may have it as part of your stay in a hospital. Procedures may vary based on your health problem and your hospital’s practices.

You will be asked to take off any clothing, jewelry, or other objects that may get in the way of the procedure.

If you are asked to take off clothing, you will be given a gown to wear.

If you need to have a scan done with contrast, an IV line will be started in the hand or arm. This is so the contrast dye can be injected. For oral contrast, you will be given a liquid contrast preparation to drink.

You will lie on your back with your arms above your head on a scan table. The table slides into a large, circular opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps may be used to keep you still during the scan.

The technologist will be in another room where the scanner controls are located. But you will be able to see the technologist through a window. Speakers inside the scanner will let the technologist talk to you and hear you. You will have a call button. Use it to tell the technologist if you have any problems during the scan. The technologist will be watching you at all times. They will be in constant communication.

As the scanner starts to move around you, X-rays will pass through the body for short amounts of time. You will hear clicking sounds. These are normal.

The X-rays absorbed by the body’s tissues will be picked up by the scanner and sent to the computer. The computer processes these images and displays them on a screen. A radiologist can then look at them.

You will need to stay very still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath at various times.

If contrast dye is used, you will be removed from the scanner after the first set of scans. A second set of scans will be taken after the contrast dye has been given.

If contrast dye is used, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. These effects include a flushing sensation, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a brief headache, nausea, and vomiting. These effects often last for only a few moments. Tell the technologist if you feel pain or tingling at the IV site after contrast is injected.

You should tell the technologist if you have any trouble breathing, sweating, numbness, or heart palpitations.

When the procedure is done, you will be removed from the scanner.

If an IV line was put in, it will be taken out.

You may be asked to wait for a short period of time while the radiologist looks at the scans to make sure they are clear.

The CT scan itself causes no pain. But having to lie still for the length of the scan might cause some discomfort or pain, especially after a recent injury or surgery. The technologist will make sure the scan is as quick and as comfortable as possible.