Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
What is a CT scan/CAT scan?
A computerized tomography (CT) scan, also known as a computer axial tomography (CAT) scan, is a diagnostic imaging procedure that takes X-ray images from multiple angles and combines them into detailed, three-dimensional views of the body. This advanced technology can examine virtually any body part, including internal organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissues. CT scans are essential for diagnosing a wide range of medical conditions, from injuries and infections to chronic diseases. They can depict more detailed information than a regular x-ray can.
CT scans are quick, painless, and non-invasive, making them suitable for children. The detailed information provided by a single imaging study allows doctors to evaluate your child’s condition thoroughly and create personalized treatment plans.
Why a CT scan Might be Needed
Doctors may recommend a CT scan for various reasons, depending on your child’s specific symptoms or medical needs. Some common reasons include:
- Diagnosing injuries or fractures
- Detecting infections or inflammation
- Assessing congenital conditions
- Investigating unexplained symptoms
- Identifying internal bleeding or trauma
- Checking for blood clots or heart conditions
- Detecting tumors or cancer
- Observing the effectiveness of treatments for heart disease and cancer
Benefits and Potential Risks of CT scans
CT scans are a powerful diagnostic tool that provides highly detailed images of the body, allowing doctors to evaluate conditions with exceptional precision. While CT scans use more radiation than traditional X-rays, they are only recommended when the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. The detailed 3D cross-sectional images produced by a CT scan can be rotated and examined from every angle, enabling doctors to clearly assess complex conditions like blood clots, internal injuries, or tumors. This ability often eliminates the need for more invasive procedures, such as biopsies or exploratory surgeries, making CT scans a less intrusive option for your child’s care.
Compared to Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), CT scans are much faster, typically lasting around 10 minutes, while MRI scans can take up to an hour or longer. This shorter scan time is especially beneficial for children who may find it challenging to stay still during longer imaging sessions. Some patients may experience minor discomfort during the scan, such as a metallic taste, but allergic reactions are rare. Despite the exposure to radiation, modern CT technology and expert protocols prioritize minimizing exposure to keep the procedure as safe as possible.
How CT scans are Done
A CT imaging scanner is a large donut-shaped machine. An exam table slides in and out of the machine’s center, an X-ray tube. The X-ray equipment inside the machine rotates around the narrow table. Special software processes the scan to create detailed pictures of organs, bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue structures. The result is a detailed 3D view of the structure of many computed tomography scan images stacked together, similar to ultra-thin image slices of bread coming together to form a full loaf of bread.
How to Prepare for a CT scan
Preparing your child for a CT scan can help ensure the process is smooth and stress-free. We provide specific guidelines to follow in our Radiology and Imaging Patient and Family Resources.
If sedation is needed, your child may need to avoid eating or drinking for a few hours before the scan. To help your child feel more at ease, consider bringing a favorite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal for comfort. Dress your child in loose-fitting clothes without metal snaps, zippers, or buttons, as metal can interfere with the scan. If necessary, we’ll provide a hospital gown.
One parent or caregiver is allowed to stay with their child during the scan. Be sure to bring any necessary paperwork, including insurance information, identification, and any forms related to the scan.
Getting a CT scan: What to Expect
Here's what happens during a CT scan:
- Your child lies in a hospital gown on a moveable examination table that slides into the CT scanner. A technologist uses special positioning equipment to secure your child to the correct spot on the table.
- Some CT imaging scans require contrast, a special substance that enhances images of specific areas. Your child may need an injection or swallowing of the substance.
- We slide the table into the CT scanner. Everyone in the room will wear a lead vest to minimize radiation exposure.
- The technologist goes into a monitoring booth during the test. It has a window facing the CT scanner. If not sedated, your child can communicate with us anytime through speakers in the unit.
- We start scanning, which may only take a few seconds to complete.
- We may need to reposition your child and take additional scans if the test requires images from multiple areas.
- After the test, children who have not undergone sedation are free to go home. Children undergoing sedation will be moved to a recovery area.
Pediatric CT scans at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, our radiologists are experts in pediatric medical imaging, ensuring that your child receives the most appropriate and effective testing. We understand the unique requirements of children’s imaging and how they differ from adult imaging. All our radiologists are board-certified by the American Board of Radiology, enabling us to tailor imaging techniques to meet your child’s specific needs and detect even the smallest details in results that could significantly impact their care and outcomes.
Our CT scan services are built around the needs of children, offering advanced technology and a supportive environment. We use state-of-the-art CT scanners that provide ultrafast exams with minimal noise, making the experience quicker and more comfortable for children, often without the need for sedation. Accredited by the American College of Radiology® (ACR), we follow the highest standards of care and deliver high-quality imaging in a supportive, child-friendly environment. Parents can often stay with their child during the scan, and Child Life specialists are available to help ease anxiety. If sedation is needed, our team of internationally renowned pediatric anesthesiologists provides safe, specialized care for children of all ages.
In addition, our CT suite features a projector system that displays customizable scenes on the scanner and throughout the room, paired with color-changing ambient lighting and music. These options are patient-selectable, allowing for a soothing environment tailored to each patient's age level and preferences.
We offer the full range of radiology and imaging studies at our main hospital in one convenient location. Some of these services are also available at our locations throughout the Los Angeles region. Find out more about Radiology and Imaging.
Specialized CT scans We Offer
CHLA offers specialized CT scans for diagnostic purposes. Some examples include:
- Abdominal and pelvic CT, which enable us to assess digestive system functioning and organs in the pelvis. These include the bladder and colon.
- Bone density scan, which detects signs of bone disease or injury and determines their severity.
- Cardiac CT, which enables us to evaluate heart structures and blood flow.
- CT angiogram, which measures blood flow to specific organs and helps uncover blockages.
- CT scanogram, which measures bone length and tracks bone positioning in the lower extremities. This test helps diagnose limb length discrepancies and assess deformities affecting the legs.
- Chest CT scan, which detects heart defects, tumors or airway disorders, such as pulmonary hypertension. Find out more about chest CT scans.
- Head CT, which may pinpoint the cause of headaches, seizures and brain bleeds.
