NHS Forth Valley

A Computerised Tomography (CT) scan at Forth Valley Royal Hospital uses X-rays and a computer to produce detailed images of the inside of your body. Your doctor or healthcare professional has requested this scan to gather more information about your health.

Specially trained operators called Radiographers will perform the examination.

Types of CT Scan

General Scan

Provides detailed images for a wide range of medical reasons.
You may be given an injection of X-ray contrast dye to improve image quality.

Takes around 1 hour.

KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder)

Focuses on the area from your kidneys to your bladder.
Do not empty your bladder within one hour of your appointment.

Takes around 1 hour.

Water Preparation

You must drink up to 300ml of water one hour before your scan to improve image quality.
Your bladder does not need to be full — you may use the toilet if required.

Takes around 90 minutes.

Small Bowel

Examines the small bowel (from the stomach to the large bowel).
Do not eat or drink from midnight before your appointment.
On arrival, you will be given a sugary/water solution (Mannitol) to drink over an hour.
This may cause loose bowel motions or mild abdominal discomfort (toilets are available).
If you are on insulin for diabetes and may struggle with fasting, please contact your Diabetic Specialist Nurse in advance.
If you are on diabetes medication, do not take your tablets on the morning of your scan. Restart them at your next scheduled time.

Takes around 2 hours.

Preparation Instructions

General: You may be asked to wear a hospital gown and remove all jewellery. Stay as still as possible during the scan to avoid blurred images. The scanner does not cover your whole body, so you should not feel claustrophobic.
Water Preparation: Drink 300ml of water one hour before your scan.
KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, and Bladder): Do not empty your bladder within one hour of your scan.
Small Bowel: Follow fasting and medication instructions above.

Please inform staff if you have any allergies, kidney problems, or are taking diabetes medication.

Pregnancy

If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please inform the department as soon as possible. We may not be able to carry out the examination if you are, or might be, pregnant.

PICC Line Patients

If you have a PICC line in place and require a CT scan, please call the X-Ray Department in advance on 01324 567026.

Please bring your PICC line diary with you so its use can be documented.

During the Examination

You will lie on the CT table and be asked to remain still to ensure clear images. The table will move slowly through the scanner, which does not completely surround your body, so you should not feel claustrophobic.

In some cases, you may be given an injection of contrast dye into a vein to enhance image quality.

For Small Bowel scans, you may also receive Buscopan to relax bowel muscles. This can cause temporary blurred vision; do not drive until your vision returns (usually within one hour).

Please arrange transport home in advance.

After Your Scan

Most patients should have no after-effects and can go home soon afterwards to resume normal activities such as eating, drinking, and driving.
If you received contrast dye, you may be observed for up to 30 minutes and should stay in the hospital environment for at least one hour after the injection. If you feel unwell, return to the X-Ray Department.
If you received Buscopan and experience eye pain, redness, or vision loss within 48 hours, contact your GP, NHS 24, or attend the Emergency Department. Make sure to state that you were given IV Buscopan.

Results

Results are usually not provided on the day of your scan. They will be sent to the doctor or healthcare professional who referred you. Staff can advise when you should expect them.

Some scans may be reported by an external Radiology Reporting company. Your confidential information is kept secure.