How is the CT Neck Scan Procedure Performed?

In a CT neck scan, several x-ray beams pass through the neck at various angles. Special sensors measure the amount of radiation absorbed by different tissues within the neck.

In order to undergo a CT neck scan, your general physician must write you a letter of referral stating why he or she believes a CT neck scan is necessary in your situation. A CT neck scan will take place in either a hospital or in an outpatient radiology center.

During a CT neck scan, the patient lies still on a table. The table is rolled into the center of the CT scanner. The CT scanner revolves around the patient and emits and records x-ray beams. The different areas of the neck absorb different amounts of x-ray. A special computer program then forms graphical cross-sections, or “tomograms,” based on these x-ray absorption differences.

Once the patient enters the scanner, the technologist may turn on special lights to ensure the patient is positioned properly for the CT neck scan. Some types of CT neck scan require a special head holder made of soft straps to ensure the head and neck remain correctly aligned throughout the exam. Though the technologist will not actually be in the room with the patient, an intercom within the scanner allows the patient and technologist to communicate throughout the procedure. The technologist will tell the patient when and how to breathe, as breath can disrupt the CT image.

A CT neck scan typically takes up to 15 minutes, including preparation time. The duration of the CT neck scan depends on the number of images needed to get the information the doctor requires. At the conclusion of the CT neck scan, the technologist will look over the images to ensure sufficient images have been created to provide the radiologist with the necessary information. If more images are necessary, the technologist will ask the patient to stay for further scanning.