A CT scan is a type of x-ray. It uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body. In this case, images of the abdomen are taken.
A CT scan is done to study the organs and tissue in your abdomen. Your doctor will look for signs of:
Your doctor may recommend an abdominal CT scan if you have the following symptoms:
Sometimes a chemical called contrast is used to help improve the pictures. Complications with contrast are rare but some people can have an allergic reaction or kidney problems.
A CT scan does use radiation. You and your doctor will weigh the harms and benefits of this test. A CT scan may not be advised if you are pregnant.
Be sure to discuss these risks with your doctor before the test.
Your doctor may tell you to:
Sometimes contrast is necessary. It helps make certain organs and tissue easier to see. It is often given by mouth in a drink. Other times, it will be injected into a vein. Occasionally, it is delivered by an enema.
You will be positioned on a special moving table. The table will move slowly through the CT scanner. You will need to stay still during the entire test. As the scanner takes pictures, you will hear humming and clicking. The technician will ask you to hold your breath at certain points. This will help get a clear picture. You will be able to talk to the technician through an intercom.
If you had contrast, you may be told to drink extra fluid. This will flush the contrast from your body.
About 30 minutes
You may feel flushed if you received contrast. You may notice a salty or metallic taste in your mouth. You may also feel nauseated.
The CT images will be sent to a radiologist who will analyze them. Your doctor will receive the results and discuss them with you.
Call your doctor if any of these occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away.
American Cancer Society
Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America
Canadian Association of Radiologists
Canadian Radiation Protection Association
Computed tomography (CT)—abdomen and pelvis. Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=abdominct. Updated June 16, 2016. Accessed April 3, 2018.
Positron emission tomography—computed tomograpy (PET/CT). Radiology Info—Radiological Society of North America website. Available at: https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=PET. Updated January 23, 2017. Accessed April 3, 2018.
Rydberg J, Buckwalter KA, Caldemeyer KD, et al. Multisection CT: scanning techniques and clinical applications. Radiographics. 2000;20(6):1787-1806.
Last reviewed April 2018 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Daus Mahnke, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.