CT Scan
A CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body. By combining many X-ray views into clear 'slices', it shows bones, internal organs, blood vessels and soft tissue, helping doctors diagnose injuries, infections, cancers and vascular disease quickly and accurately.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
Computed tomography (CT) takes a series of X-ray images from many angles and uses a computer to combine them into detailed cross-sectional 'slices' of the body. It is fast, widely available and excellent for showing bones, the chest and lungs, the abdomen, blood vessels and acute problems such as bleeding, blood clots, injuries and infections. CT is also a key tool for detecting, staging and monitoring cancer. A contrast dye is often given through a vein to highlight blood vessels, organs or tumours.
For international patients, a coordinator arranges the scan around your visit and explains any preparation, such as not eating beforehand if contrast is planned. If you have CT images from another hospital, our radiologists can provide a second-opinion reading so an existing, good-quality scan may not need repeating, and you receive a transparent, personalised cost estimate before travelling.
Who is a candidate?
- People with suspected internal injury, bleeding or trauma needing rapid assessment
- Patients being investigated, staged or monitored for cancer
- Those with chest or lung symptoms, or suspected blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
- Patients with abdominal pain, kidney stones, or suspected appendicitis or bowel problems
- People needing detailed imaging of blood vessels (CT angiography) or complex bone fractures
- Anyone who needs a fast, detailed scan where MRI is unsuitable or unavailable
What happens
- 1
Preparation
If contrast is planned you may be asked not to eat for a few hours beforehand, and to confirm your kidney function and any allergies. Tell the team if you might be pregnant. You remove metal items from the area being scanned and change into a gown if needed.
- 2
During the scan
You lie on a table that moves slowly through a ring-shaped scanner — the machine is open, not an enclosed tunnel. You may be asked to hold your breath briefly. If contrast is used, it is injected through a small cannula and can cause a brief warm flush. The scan itself takes only seconds to a few minutes.
- 3
Comfort during the scan
CT is painless and the open ring shape means it rarely causes claustrophobia. The scan is quick, so you only need to lie still and follow the radiographer's breathing instructions.
- 4
Afterwards & results
You can usually return to normal activity immediately. If you had contrast, you may be asked to drink extra fluids to help clear the dye. A radiologist reviews the images and a written report is typically ready within 24 hours, sooner if the scan is urgent.
Benefits
- Very fast, making it ideal for emergencies, trauma and acutely unwell patients
- Produces clear, detailed cross-sectional images of bone, organs and blood vessels
- Excellent for detecting bleeding, clots, fractures, infections and many cancers
- Non-invasive and painless, with no recovery time needed
- Widely available and can guide biopsies and treatment planning
Risks & considerations
- Uses X-rays, so there is a low dose of ionising radiation — scans are only done when the benefit clearly outweighs this
- Iodine-based contrast dye can rarely cause an allergic reaction and is used with caution in kidney impairment
- Generally avoided in pregnancy unless essential, because of the radiation involved
- Soft-tissue detail is sometimes less than MRI for areas such as the brain, spine or joints
- The contrast injection may cause a brief warm sensation or a metallic taste
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is performed by our Radiology & Imaging Department.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
CT Scan — frequently asked questions
It depends on the body area, the number of regions scanned and whether contrast is used. We prepare a clear, personalised estimate for you before your visit and confirm exactly what is included, so there are no surprises.
Yes. If you bring or send your CT images and report, our radiologists can give a second-opinion reading. A recent, good-quality scan often does not need to be repeated, saving you time, radiation and cost.
A CT scan uses X-rays, so it does involve a low dose of ionising radiation. Modern scanners and protocols keep this dose as low as reasonably possible, and a scan is only recommended when the diagnostic benefit clearly outweighs the small risk.
Sometimes. Contrast dye helps blood vessels, organs and tumours show up more clearly. When it is needed it is given through a small cannula in your arm; many CT scans are done without it. The team checks your kidney function and allergies beforehand.
Far less so. The CT scanner is an open ring rather than a long tunnel, and the scan is very quick, so most people find it comfortable even if they dislike enclosed spaces.
A radiologist reviews the images and a written report is usually ready within 24 hours — and faster for urgent cases — after which your doctor discusses the findings with you.
Related treatments
Considering ct scan?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.