Procedure
The scan itself generally takes less than 10 minutes. Total time depends on the
age of the child, whether contrast solution is given, and whether sedation is needed.
Actual exposure time to radiation is much less.
Your child will enter a special room and lie down on his or her back on a table.
A pillow and sometimes a soft brace holds the head and neck in place to prevent movement
that would result in a blurry image.
If contrast solution is required for the CAT scan, it will be given in the radiology
area through an IV (intravenous) line placed in your child's hand or arm. Placing
the IV will feel like a quick pinprick, and the solution is painless as it goes into
the vein.
Sedation may occasionally be required if your child can't lie still for the scan.
Sedation medicines are given through an IV line and help to keep a child comfortable
during the CAT scan. Since the scan is brief, other soothing methods are often attempted
first.
The technician will position your child, then step behind a wall or into an adjoining
room to operate the machine, viewing your child through a window. The technician will
speak to your child through an intercom. You'll be able to stay in the CAT scan room
with your child until the test begins and possibly during the test. If you leave the
CAT scan room, you'll join the technician in the outer room or you might be asked
to sit in a waiting room. If you stay with the technician or in the CAT scan room,
you'll be asked to wear a lead apron to protect certain parts of your body.
When the procedure starts, the table moves through the CAT machine. Older children
may be asked to hold their breath for a few seconds at a time to prevent blurring
of the image.
What to Expect
Your child won't feel anything as the CAT scan is taken, but may hear whirring
and buzzing as the machine works. The room may feel cool due to air conditioning used
to maintain the equipment. Some children may feel uncomfortable lying still for extended
periods.
After the scan is complete, your child will be asked to wait a few minutes so the
technician can review the quality of the images. If they're blurred, parts of the
CAT scan may need to be redone. If your child required sedation, it will take a little
while for the medicine to wear off.