CT Scanning & CAT Scans at Bon Secours Dublin
Multislice CT scanning provides fast cross-sectional images through the body. CT investigations of all parts of the body are available and include:
- CT Angiography
- High resolution thorax
- Abdomen
- Pelvis
- Brain
- Sinuses
- Soft tissue neck
- Spine
- CT Colonoscopy is also now available and provides an alternative/ complimentary examination to conventional colonoscopy.
CT scanning is available:
- Monday - Friday: 8.00am – 7.30pm
Your CT Scan
This section is intended to provide you with some general information about your CT scan. If you have any queries about your CT scan please do not hesitate to contact us: 01 806 5406 or 01 806 5316.
What is a CT scan?
A Computed Tomography (CT) scan, often referred to as a CAT scan is a special x-ray machine which produces detailed images or ‘slices’ through the area of your body we are scanning.
Who will I see?
Throughout your CT examination you will be cared for by a highly skilled Radiographer.
Is it Safe?
X-Rays are used to complete CT scans. The X-Ray dose will vary depending on the type of CT scan you are having. If you have any questions about the X-Ray dose you can speak to either your referring doctor or you can contact the specialist CT Radiographer.
What are the benefits?
Medical Imaging can bring very real benefits to patients. The results of your CT scan can help your doctor make the right diagnosis of any health issues you have been experiencing.
Before your CT scan
When we book your appointment we will give you full instructions to follow prior to your scan. Please consider the following when booking your appointment:
- Inform us if you have any allergies or asthma
- Inform us if you are a Diabetic taking Metformin/Glucophage
- Inform us if there is a chance you maybe or you are pregnant or if you are breastfeeding
The day of your scan
Continue to take any of your daily medications unless you receive an instruction otherwise from your doctor or the Diagnostic Imaging department.
Please check-in with our administrative staff at Diagnostic Imaging reception and you will be shown where to wait for your scan.
Depending on the type of CT scan you will be having you may be asked:
- To undress into a hospital gown in a cubicle within the CT department
- Drink a jug of water and x-ray dye mixture 30 - 60 minutes prior to your CT scan
What happens during your CT scan?
In the CT scan room a radiographer will explain the CT examination to you and then ask you to lie on the scan bed. The radiographer will position you within the ‘polo-mint’ or ‘doughnut-shaped’ machine. The Radiographer will then move out of the scan room into the control room to start your scan. The Radiographer will be able to hear you throughout the scan via the scanner microphones. You maybe given some quick breathing instructions to follow, it is important to keep still during the scan. The scan procedure will take between 15 and 60 minutes. The CT scan is not painful.
Do I need an X-Ray dye Injection?
This will be dependant on the scan type requested by your doctor. X-Ray dye injections are useful to help increase the information obtained but is not always necessary. This injection is not a radio-active dye, it is clear in colour and is excreted from the body as when you would drink a glass of water.
If the CT X-Ray dye injection is given to me
If you require an X-Ray dye injection you will be asked to complete a safety check-list beforehand. During the scan the X-Ray dye will be administered to you through a vein in your arm. As the injection is given you may experience a warm flushing feeling over your body or a metallic taste in your mouth - these are normal side effects to experience.
As with any medication there is a small chance you could develop an allergy to the CT X-Ray dye. If you develop an allergy we have qualified and experienced medical staff(s) who can assess you, and give treatments were necessary.
After your CT scan
If you have received an injection of the CT X-Ray dye you will be asked to remain within the hospital for one hour after your scan.
When will I get results?
The acquired CT images will be read by a Consultant Radiologist after your visit. A report will be sent to your referring doctor.
Additional Information
Please make us aware of any special needs you have (e.g. mobility, if you are hard of hearing, if you have poor eyesight, or if you maybe claustrophobic)
If you have any questions you can speak with your doctor or contact the X-Ray department 01 806 5406 or 01 806 5316.
Cancellations
If you are unable to attend please contact as soon as possible and we can arrange a new appointment for you.
