Radiology
The CT scanners are located within the Radiology (x-ray) departments at The James Cook University Hospital and the Friarage Hospital. This leaflet describes what to expect when you are having a CT cardiac scan. Please check which CT scanning department your appointment is at, so that you attend the correct department.
What is a CT cardiac scan?
CT (computerised tomography) is a type of x-ray and refers to the way the equipment works. Information is recorded in a series of cross-sectional pictures or scans that can be built up into 3D images that shows your heart and blood vessels.
Preparation prior to arriving for the scan
Your scan has been requested by a consultant at the hospital who is involved in dealing with cardiac investigations and treatment. If you have your own Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) spray, please bring it with you and continue to take any prescribed medication (take with water).
Important
PLEASE ENSURE TO BRING A LIST OF YOUR MEDICATIONS WITH YOU.
- Please DO NOT drink any caffeine on the day of your scan.
- Please drink clear fluids only, and do not eat for 3 hours before your appointment time.
- An appointment letter is enclosed, please follow the instructions carefully. A full explanation of the procedure will be given when you arrive for your scan.
Once you arrive for the scan
You will be asked to change into a gown and remove any underwear with metal hooks and eyes, so that the chest monitoring leads can be attached.
You will be asked to complete a checklist about your heart history – if you have any questions do not hesitate to ask.
What happens during the scan?
Throughout the procedure you will be asked to lie on a firm couch which moves in and out of the scanner and you will be attached to some monitoring leads on your chest. All you need to do is relax and stay still.
Will I need to have an injection?
An injection of contrast media (x-ray dye) will be necessary to allow the Radiologist to get as much information about your condition as possible. You may also be given two medications, one to slow down your heart rate (betablocker) which helps to improve the scan quality and GTN to make it easier to see your blood vessels.
The consultant looking after you during your scan will decide if these are required. You are also advised not to drive or operate machinery for one hour after the CT scan.
Afterwards
The images will be studied by a Radiologist, with specialist knowledge in CT, and the results will be sent to the doctor who requested your scan. You will be required to remain in the CT department for 15 minutes, and within the hospital environment for one hour after the contrast injection to ensure that your blood pressure is normal.
Are there any risks?
CT scanning involves the use of ionising radiation, which can cause cell damage that may, after many years or decades, turn cancerous. We are all at risk of developing cancer during our lifetime. The normal risk is that this will happen to 1 in 2 people, at some point in their life.
| Type of CT scan | Typical equivalent background radiation | Additional risk of cancer | Risk level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chest x-ray | 1 to 2 days | Fewer than 1 in 1,000,000 | Negligible |
| CT head or limb | 3 to 6 months | Fewer than 1 in 10,000 | Very low |
| UK average annual radiation dose | 1 year | Fewer than 1 in 10,000 | Very low |
| CT of whole body | 1 to 4 years | Fewer than 1 in 10,000 | Low |
Modern equipment and highly trained Radiographers will keep the exposure as low as possible.
As with all drugs and medication, there is a slight risk of an allergic reaction due to the injection of x-ray contrast used to enhance scans. This may vary from a rash, to, very rarely, a more severe reaction. Major life-threatening reactions are rare, with severe anaphylactic reactions occurring in less than 1 in 100,000 patients (2). The Radiographers looking after you are trained to deal with any emergency.
The risks from taking betablocker and Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) medications are found in the links below.
- Beta blockers – www.nhs.uk
- Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN): a medicine for angina and anal fissures – www.nhs.uk
Despite these slight risks your doctor believes it is advisable for you to have this examination, as there may be a greater risk from missing a serious disorder by not having your scan.
Contact us
If you require further information please contact:
CT Scan Appointments
- James Cook University Hospital
Telephone: 01642 854683
Email: [email protected] - The Friarage Hospital
Telephone: 01609 763060
Email: [email protected]
For both sites
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 9am until 5pm
Wednesday – 10am until 5pm
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]