Speak To An Expert
Get clear, personalised advice for your situation.
Jot down a few questions to make the most of your conversation.
Having a CT Scan at Stoke Mandeville Hospital - Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Introduction to CT Scans
A CT (computed tomography) scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses specialized X-ray equipment to create detailed images of the inside of the body. This technology is valuable in diagnosing a variety of conditions and planning appropriate treatments. For patients of Stoke Mandeville Hospital, part of the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust, CT scans are an important diagnostic tool.
Preparing for Your CT Scan
Before your CT scan, you will receive specific instructions from the healthcare team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital. These may include fasting for a few hours before the scan, especially if a contrast dye will be used. The contrast dye helps to highlight certain areas of your body during the imaging process. Wear comfortable clothing and avoid wearing any metal objects that may interfere with the scan. Pre-scan information will be provided to ensure you are fully prepared.
During the CT Scan
Once you arrive for your appointment, our friendly staff will guide you through the process. You will lie on a special scanning table connected to the CT scanner. The table will slowly move through a large, doughnut-shaped machine. You may be required to hold your breath for a few seconds to ensure clear images are captured. The procedure is painless and typically takes between 10 to 30 minutes.
After the CT Scan
After your scan, you can usually resume your normal activities immediately. If contrast dye was used, it is advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush it out of your system. The radiologist will review your images and work with your doctor to discuss the next steps. Results will be communicated to you promptly, along with any follow-up actions that might be necessary.
Contact and Support
If you have any questions or concerns about your upcoming CT scan, the support team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is available to assist you. Do not hesitate to reach out to the Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust through their dedicated patient helpline or visit their website for additional resources and contact information.
Our priority is to ensure that you receive the best care possible in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Having a CT Scan at Stoke Mandeville Hospital - Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Introduction to CT Scans
A CT scan is a special kind of X-ray that takes pictures of the inside of your body. It helps doctors find out what is wrong and how to help you feel better. At Stoke Mandeville Hospital, we use CT scans to help our patients.
Preparing for Your CT Scan
Before your scan, the hospital staff will tell you what to do. You might need to stop eating for a few hours if you will have a special dye. This dye helps the pictures come out clearer. Wear comfy clothes and leave metal things at home. This will help the scan go smoothly.
During the CT Scan
When you come for your scan, our nice staff will help you. You will lie down on a table. The table moves slowly through a big, round machine. You might need to hold your breath for a short time to get good pictures. The scan does not hurt and takes about 10 to 30 minutes.
After the CT Scan
When the scan is done, you can go back to your normal day. If you had the dye, drink lots of water to help it leave your body. A doctor called a radiologist will look at your pictures. They will talk to your doctor about what to do next. You will get your results soon after.
Contact and Support
If you have questions, the team at Stoke Mandeville Hospital is here to help you. You can call the hospital’s patient helpline or check their website for more help and contact details.
We want to make sure you get the best care in a safe and friendly place.
Frequently Asked Questions
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is a medical imaging procedure that uses specialized X-ray equipment to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It helps doctors diagnose and monitor various conditions.
Preparation for a CT scan can vary, but you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan. Specific instructions will be provided to you when your appointment is scheduled.
You may be asked to change into a hospital gown and remove any metal objects such as jewellery or glasses, as these can interfere with the imaging process.
If you are claustrophobic, please inform the radiology department when scheduling your appointment. They may provide sedation options or other accommodations to help manage your anxiety.
The actual scanning time can be as short as a few minutes. However, your entire visit, including preparation, may take around 30 minutes to an hour.
CT scans are generally safe and the risk from radiation exposure is minimal. The benefits of an accurate diagnosis often outweigh the risks. If you have concerns, please discuss them with your doctor.
Yes, in most cases you can drive home after a CT scan unless you have been given a sedative or contrast agent that could affect your ability to drive.
A contrast agent is a special dye that may be used during a CT scan to highlight specific areas inside your body, providing clearer images. It can be administered orally or through an IV.
Most people do not experience side effects from the contrast agent, though some may have a mild reaction such as a feeling of warmth or a metallic taste in the mouth. Allergic reactions are rare but possible; you should inform the radiologist if you have had a reaction to contrast agents in the past.
Yes, you can usually eat and drink normally after your CT scan unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Your CT scan results will be reviewed by a radiologist and sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss the results with you. This process can take several days.
Yes, you can bring a friend or family member with you, but they may not be allowed in the scanning room during the procedure for safety reasons.
If you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, notify the radiology department prior to your scan. CT scans use X-rays, which can be harmful to an unborn baby, and alternative imaging methods may be considered.
Generally, no special care is required after a CT scan. However, if you received a contrast agent, you may be advised to drink plenty of fluids to help flush it out of your system.
To schedule a CT scan at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, you will generally need a referral from your GP or specialist. They will coordinate with the radiology department to book your appointment.
A CT scan is a special kind of X-ray. It takes pictures of the inside of your body. Doctors use it to find out what is wrong and to see how you are getting better.
Before you have a CT scan, there are some things you might need to do. You might be told not to eat or drink for a few hours before the scan. You will get special instructions when your appointment is made.
You might need to put on a hospital gown. You will also need to take off metal things like jewelry or glasses. These can get in the way of the picture taking.
If you are scared of small spaces, tell the hospital when you book your scan. They can help you feel better with special medicine or other ways to calm you down.
The scan itself only takes a few minutes. But your whole visit could take 30 minutes to an hour because of getting ready.
CT scans are safe. The chance of problems from the x-ray is very small. Finding out what is wrong with you is often more important than worrying about the x-ray. If you are worried, talk to your doctor.
Yes, you can usually drive home after a CT scan. But if you got medicine to help you relax or a special dye, you might not be able to drive safely.
A contrast agent is a special dye that helps doctors see inside your body better during a CT scan. It makes pictures clearer. You might swallow it or get it through a needle in your arm.
Most people do not feel bad after getting the special dye for the test. Some people might feel a little warm or taste metal in their mouth. It's not common to have an allergy to the dye, but it can happen. If you have ever had a problem with the dye before, tell the doctor who is doing the test.
Yes, you can eat and drink like normal after your CT scan unless your doctor says not to.
A special doctor will look at your CT scan pictures. This doctor is called a radiologist. They will send the results to your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about what they find. This might take a few days.
Yes, you can bring a friend or family member with you. But they might not be able to go into the scanning room with you. This is to keep everyone safe.
You might find it helpful to tell your friend or family member what you are worried about. They can wait for you outside and support you.
If you are going to have a scan and you know you are pregnant or think you might be, tell the staff where you are having the scan. This is very important. The scan uses X-rays. X-rays can be bad for a baby inside you. There might be other ways to do the scan that are safer. You can ask them about this.
After a CT scan, you usually don't need to do anything special. But if you had a special dye called a contrast agent, it is a good idea to drink lots of water. This helps to remove the dye from your body.
To book a CT scan at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, your doctor usually needs to help. Your doctor will talk to the hospital and arrange the date and time for your scan.
Ergsy Search Results
This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice.
Always seek guidance from qualified professionals.
If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.
Some of this content was generated with AI assistance. We've done our best to keep it accurate, helpful, and human-friendly.
- Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
- Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
- To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
- Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
- You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
- Go to the video you'd like to watch.
- If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
- To turn on Captions, click settings.
- To turn off Captions, click settings again.