CT (Computed tomography)

A CT scan uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

Children's Memorial Hospital recently purchased a new 64-slice CT scanner. This scanner employs the latest technology to create high resolution images of any part of a patient's body in a matter of seconds. These advances in imaging technology can improve diagnoses and help avoid the need for sedation in young children. New radiation reducing methods can reduce the patient's radiation dose by up to 68% without compromising image quality. The scanner can also capture pictures of the heart in 4-D (3-D plus heart motion). This allows physicians to make a diagnosis without having to perform invasive procedures such as a cardiac catheterization.

  • Children's Memorial is the only free-standing pediatric hospital in Illinois to offer the 64-slice CT technology.

Before the CT scan

Before coming to the hospital, read this explanation and explain to your child what will happen during the test. For young children, use simple words and explain only shortly before the test.

Children 4 years and under may require sedation for their procedure. You will be given certain eating and drinking restrictions necessary to complete the exam. The day of the exam, a parent or guardian needs to be present to sign informed consent for sedation.

If sedation is necessary, a nurse or doctor will explain it to you. A parent or legal guardian needs to be present to sign an informed consent for sedation.

If your child is an infant, it is helpful to bring along a bottle of formula or juice with you for after the test. It is also recommended that you bring a pacifier, blanket or special toy to help calm your baby.

For older children, it is helpful to bring a book or toy to play with while waiting. It is helpful to have another caregiver for your child's siblings. For young children or babies, it is a good idea to bring a stroller.

During the CT scan

The patient lies on the table, and x-ray equipment surrounds the part of the body to be examined. A soft "machinery" sound is heard as the x-ray tube moves around the patient.

Our exam rooms were designed with families in mind. The size and layout of the rooms allow parents to sit nearby and even hold their child's hand during the procedure.

This 10-to 45-minute exam requires your child to remain motionless during each x-ray exposure. Even though our CT machine is very fast and some children can get through the test without moving, some still require sedation to keep still.

In some cases, the radiologists require the use of something called "contrast" in order to better see organs and/or blood vessels. There are three ways this can be given to your child: by mouth (oral), by rectum and through intravenous injection (IV). The medical imaging nurses help with all three kinds of contrast.

Oral contrast is usually indicated for abdomen and pelvis scans. Your child will have to drink contrast mixed with any clear fluid. Some of the choices we have available are water, apple juice, grape juice or lemonade. You can also bring Gatorade or Kool-Aid from home. Your child should drink the liquid over a one-hour period (in most cases).

After the CT test

The child eliminates the medicine from his / her body by urinating. Your child should drink plenty of fluids and urinate often to help clear it from his / her body. It should be completely out of your child's body within 24 hours.

After the test, your child may return to regular daily activities and meals. If your child had sedation medicine, he will be monitored by a nurse in the recovery room until he wakes.

This amount of time is often unpredictable depending on the amount of sedation medicine given. It is common for children to sleep 2 hours after the medicine is given.

A nurse will give you special instructions. Results of the test will be available to your child's doctor within 24 hours.

Technology/Scanners used

  • Siemens Sensation 64-slice CT Scanner
  • Siemens Emotion 16-slice CT Scanner
  • GE 4-slice CT scanner (at our Clark Street facility)

Learn more here about the people you will meet in Medical Imaging.

See also Medical imaging (radiology); Brandt travels halfway around the world for treatment