How is the CT Pelvic Scan Procedure Performed?

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

In order to undergo a CT pelvis scan, the patient’s general physician must write a letter of referral stating why he or she believes a CT pelvic scan is necessary. A CT pelvic scan will take place in either a hospital or in an outpatient radiology center.

During a CT pelvic 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 pelvic 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 pelvic scan. 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 duration of the CT pelvic scan depends on the number of images needed to get the information the doctor requires. At the conclusion of the CT pelvis 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.