Preparing for a CT Neck Scan

Patients should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for the CT neck scan. Patients should also avoid clothing with zippers, clips or snaps, as metal objects can affect the CT image.

To avoid altering the image in any way, patients may be asked to remove the following:

• hairpins
• jewelry
• eyeglasses
• hearing aids
• removable dental work

If the CT neck scan is to focus on the soft tissue of the neck, patients may be requested to refrain from eating, drinking or taking anything by mouth for four hours prior to the CT neck scan. Orally administered prescription medication can still be taken. If the CT scan is to focus on the neck bones, no special preparation is required.

Women should always inform their doctor or x-ray technologist of any possibility of pregnancy, even if the pregnancy has yet to be confirmed.