How is the CT Kidney Scan Procedure Performed?

The procedure for a CT kidney scan is the same as the procedure for a CT abdominal scan. In a CT kidney scan, several x-ray beams pass through the abdominal region (the region between the chest and the pelvis) at various angles. Special sensors measure the amount of radiation absorbed by different tissues within the abdomen.

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

During a CT kidney 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 kidney 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 kidney 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 technologist will tell the patient when and how to breathe, as breath can disrupt the CT image.

Like all CT abdominal scans, a CT kidney exam can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes, though much of this is preparation time. The duration of the CT kidney scan depends on the number of images needed to get the information the doctor requires. At the conclusion of the CT kidney 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.