Ct scan of the chest

A CT (computed tomography) scan uses X-rays to make detailed pictures of structures inside your child's body. A CT scan of the chest can give your doctor information about your child's lungs, heart, and other structures in the chest.

During the test, your child will lie on a moving table that is attached to the CT scanner. The CT scanner is a large doughnut-shaped machine. The table will move in and out of the center of the machine during the scan.

If you are not pregnant, you can stay in the room with your child during the test. You will wear an apron that protects your body from X-rays.

A CT scan can help find problems such as:

• A chest injury.
• A mass in the chest.
• A lung infection.
• A heart defect.

• You may have to take off jewelry.
• You will take off all or most of your clothes and change into a gown. If you do leave some clothes on, make sure you take everything out of your pockets.
• You will lie on a table that is attached to the CT scanner.
• The table will slide into the round opening of the scanner. The table will move during the scan. The scanner moves inside the doughnut-shaped casing around your body.
• You will be asked to hold still during the scan. You may be asked to hold your breath for short periods.
• You may be alone in the scanning room. But a technologist will watch you through a window and talk with you during the test.

• In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
• Tell your doctor if you get nervous in tight spaces. You may get a medicine to help you relax. If you think you'll get this medicine, be sure you have someone to take you home.