Preparing Your Child for a CT scan

On this page, you will find information to share with your child about getting a CT scan, written in terms Child Life Specialists believe children can easily understand.

What is a CT scan?

• CT stands for Computed Tomography
• These scans take pictures of different parts of the body

Why it's important to have a CT scan

• "The doctors want to take some pictures of (specific body part) to help see what might be making you feel bad, hurt, etc."

Your job during the CT scan

• It is very important to hold still so that the pictures come out clear.

What happens when having a CT scan?

• You will go to CT scan in a wheelchair or on a bed with wheels.
• When you get to the room where your pictures will be taken, the nurse will help move you to the bed that slides in and out of the CT camera.
• The camera looks like a big doughnut with a hole in the middle. The bed will slide into the hole when it is time for your pictures.
• The bed sometimes has a cloth seatbelt, just like in a car, to keep you safe.
• Having your pictures taken will not hurt and nothing will touch you.
• A CT scan takes about 5-15 minutes. You may hear a soft humming sound when the camera is working.
• You may need to drink some special medicine called contrast. This medicine helps your doctor see the pictures of your body better that were checked with the camera.  
• The special medicine or contrast may also be given through your IV.
• A parent may also be present during the CT scan, but will need to wear a lead apron.
• The radiology technologist taking the pictures will be able to see you and talk to you during the procedure.

Things that can help when having a CT scan:

• Listening to music
• Using your imagination: think about being in a castle or in outer space
• Discussing what will be helpful to you and your child