How is the CT Abdomen Scan Procedure Performed?

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

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

During a CT abdomen 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 abdomen absorb different amounts of x-ray. Detectors revolve opposite to the x-ray beams and record the difference between the amount of x-ray that goes into the body, and the amount that comes out. 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 abdomen 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 abdomen scan depends on the number of images needed to get the information the doctor requires. A typical CT abdomen scan takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes, with preparation taking up most of the exam time. At the conclusion of the CT abdomen 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.