CT Scan of the Kidney

The way the test is done may vary depending on your condition and your healthcare provider’s practices.

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

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

If you are having a procedure done with contrast, an IV line will be started in the hand or arm for injection of the contrast dye. For oral contrast, you will be given a liquid contrast to drink.

You will lie on a scan table that slides into a large, circular opening of the scanning machine. Pillows and straps may be used to prevent movement 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 at all times. Speakers inside the scanner will allow the technologist to talk to you and hear you. You will have a call button so that you can let the technologist know if you have any problems during the scan. The technologist will be watching you at all times and will be in constant communication.

As the scanner starts to rotate around you, X-rays will pass through your body for short amounts of time. You will hear clicking sounds and whirring sounds, which are normal.

The X-rays absorbed by the body’s tissues will be detected by the scanner and sent to the computer. The computer will transform the information into an image to be interpreted by the radiologist.

It will be important that you stay very still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath at various times during the scan.

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

If contrast dye is used for your procedure, you may feel some effects when the dye is injected into the IV line. These effects include a warm flushing sensation, a salty or metallic taste in the mouth, a brief headache, or nausea. These effects usually last for a few moments. Tell the technologist if you feel pain or tingling when the contrast is injected.

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

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

If an IV line was inserted, it will be removed.

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

The CT scan is not painful. You may have some discomfort or pain from lying still during the test. This may be because of recent surgery or injury. The technologist will use all possible comfort measures and do the scan as quickly as possible to reduce any discomfort or pain.