How long does a head ct scan take

A CT scan is a test that takes detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It's usually used to diagnose conditions or check how well treatment is working.

Why a CT scan is done

You may be referred for a CT scan to:

• check your bones or internal organs after an accident
• find out if symptoms you've been having are caused by a condition, such as cancer
• see how well a treatment is working, such as checking the size of a tumour during and after cancer treatment
• help doctors see inside your body during a procedure, such as taking a sample of cells (biopsy) or draining an abscess

Preparing for a CT scan

The hospital where you're having the CT scan will tell you if there's anything you need to do before it.

For example, you may be asked to:

• follow a special diet
• take certain medicines
• not eat or drink anything for several hours before the scan (fast)
• not wear anything that has metal in it, such as jewellery, clothes with zips or poppers, bras or hair clips

Tell the hospital if you:

• are pregnant or might be pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• take any medicines
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