CT | CUH

The CUH CT department is specialised in providing a range of procedures including all body CT scanning, Cardiac scans, CT Colonography, Enterography and CT Post Mortem.

We have close links with Cambridge University and support a variety of research trials with many different research institutions.

Addenbrooke's CT corridor with direction signs

Follow the signs to CT, MRI and PET Imaging

Continue along the corridor to either the CT department or PET-CT department (where we also have a CT scanner located). The above photo was taken as you leave the main Outpatient corridor; follow the corridor for about 50 metres, where you will find the door to the CT reception is on your left.

Two side-by-side images of the signposted doors to the CT and MRI suite

Doors to CT reception

CT reception desk

On arrival, please approach the front desk and let the administration staff know that you have arrived.

Door to PET-CT department, where we also have a CT scanner

Currently we have six CT scanners at the CUH site (one located in the PET-CT department) as well as a CT units located at Sawston Medical Centre and the Ely Community Diagnostic Centre (Princess of Wales Hospital).

Please check your appointment letter carefully for further details.

Having a CT scan

A Computerised Tomography (CT) scan uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of your body. It is similar to how an x-ray machine works but the x-ray tube spins around you taking lots of pictures that are then re-arranged to appear as ‘slices’ through the body.

The x-rays pass through the body and hit a detector which converts the signals into pictures. Large complex computers convert all this data into slices through the body that can then be used by Radiographers and Radiologists.

Doughnut-shaped CT scanners

The data gathered from the scan can also be used to produce 3D images of certain body parts, for example blood vessels or a particular bone. CT scans are useful for looking at bones, lungs and other organs, and blood vessels. CT scans are also used to look at a wide range of conditions and pathologies.

The CT scanner is doughnut shaped and tends to be wider in the middle compared to an MRI scanner and not as long. You will be asked to lie on the CT table which automatically passes through the centre of the scanner, known as the gantry bore.

You may be given an injection of ‘contrast media’ or for some investigations, asked to drink a small volume of the oral ‘contrast media’ to help enhance the pictures. The contrast media allows us to see certain structures like blood vessels. Please see below for further details. The whole process of having a scan usually takes 10-15 minutes depending on the complexity of the scan being performed. The actual scan itself can take a matter of seconds though.

For patients

The Clinical Imaging Board's 'Your CT scan' poster (opens in a new tab) provides information regarding having a CT scan.

Benefits

CT scans can give doctors information to help them diagnose a variety of conditions. The scans can help to confirm or rule out a suspected diagnosis.
Unlike other imaging methods, a CT scan can give a detailed view of lots of different tissue types in the body, including lungs, bones, soft tissues and blood vessels.

Risks

The CT scan involves exposure to radiation in the form of X-rays. However, the amount you are exposed to during the scan is very small. Please make your Radiographer aware of any recent CT scans you may have had, in case they make further examinations unnecessary.
If you have contrast injected, there is a small chance that the contrast can leak outside the vein and cause temporary swelling and bruising at the site of the injection.

Preparing for your scan

Please read your appointment letter carefully for guidance on which location to come to, the arrival time and any advice on eating and drinking before your scan.

In some cases, you may be asked to drink water beforehand or to take some oral contrast. This will depend on the area of your body being scanned.

Arriving for your appointment

Please allow plenty of time to get to the CT department. You will be asked to come to either Addenbrooke’s Hospital CT Department, Ely Community Diagnostic Centre, or Sawston Medical Centre. Further details will be sent with your appointment letter.

Unlike MRI, metal can go in the CT scanner room and pass through the scanner. However, it must not be in the way of the part of the body we want to scan as it will affect the quality of the image. To avoid unnecessary waiting time and ensure an effective examination, we recommend patients remove all metal and jewellery from the body part to be scanned and ideally wear clothes without any metal i.e. avoid under-wired bras.

Before your scan, one of our team members may ask you to change into a hospital gown, however the majority of patients can be scanned in their clothes.

If you require hospital transport, please let us know before your appointment date, as we need to arrange for you to be scanned in the main CT department as we do not have a suitable area for patients to wait following their appointment at the community CT facilities.

Contrast media

During a CT scan it may be necessary to give you an injection of iodine-based contrast (a type of dye that highlights blood vessels and other structures in the body). This contrast injection will be administered by the radiographer, through a cannula (small plastic tube), which is usually placed in a vein in your arm. If you have previously had difficulty with a cannula please let us know before your appointment. We may arrange an appointment for you to be seen in the Vascular Access Unit (VAU) before your scan to avoid a similar experience.

The injection may make you feel warm as the contrast is kept in an incubator. Patients often describe a warm feeling as the dye moves through the blood vessels down the body and also a metallic taste in the mouth. The contrast dye sometimes causes side effects such as feeling nauseous, developing a skin rash, headache or dizziness. These side effects are usually mild and don't last very long.

If you are currently breastfeeding, you can continue to do so after the injection of contrast media. More information can be found in this patient information leaflet:

Advice for breastfeeding mothers after CT contrast injection

During the scan

The procedure will be fully explained to you. Please feel free to ask the radiographer any questions before your scan. You will be asked to lie down on the CT table and keep as still as possible. It is important to try not to move during the CT scan however it usually will not last longer than five or ten minutes depending on the particular examination. The first picture taken gives us an overview of your body from which we then plan the ‘main scans’ from. If you are having the contrast injection then you will have this first and wait a few seconds for the ‘main scans’ to start.

The radiographer will leave the room whilst the scan is taking place. They can still see you on a TV screen. The scanner has a microphone built into it, so you can communicate with staff and also they can communicate with you.

If you are anxious about going into the CT scanner it is possible to visit the CT department, in advance of your appointment, to view the scanner. Please be aware the department itself is not able to give any medication to help calm patients. This will need to be prescribed in advance by your doctor.

Should you have any doubts about your examination please contact the CT Department as outlined in your letter.

After the scan

Please note that if you have had an injection we will ask you to remain in the department for 15 minutes to check you are feeling okay before you go home.

After the scan, you can resume normal activities immediately. If however you have had a sedative, a friend or relative will need to take you home and stay with you for the first 24 hours.

Your CT scan needs to be reviewed by a radiologist (a doctor trained in interpreting scans and X-rays) and possibly discussed with other specialists. The radiographer will not be able to tell you what is on the scan or provide any results.

Once your scan has been reviewed by the Radiologists, they will send the report to your referrer. The referrer will then contact you to discuss the results. Unfortunately, we are unable to give specific time frames currently due to high demands in reporting. If you have the MyChart app, please note that results will not be available until after 21 days following a final report being issued. This is to allow time for your referrer to contact you and discuss next steps.

Off-site CT facilities

Sawston Medical Centre - CT scanner

Address:

London Road
Sawston
Cambridge
CB22 3HU

Telephone Number: 01223 217426 / 01223 245151

Opening times: Monday – Friday, 09:00 - 17:00

For more information please see our imaging services in the community page.

Ely Community Diagnostic Centre - CT scanner

We have a permanent CT scanner at Ely CDC which is staffed by members of the CUH team.

Address:

Ely Community Diagnostic Centre
Princess of Wales Hospital
Lynn Road
Ely
CB6 1DN

Telephone: 01223 808552 / 01223 245151

Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 07:00 – 20:00hrs. Saturday and Sunday from 08:00-20:00hrs

More information can be found on the Cambridge Community Services website (opens in a new tab) and our imaging services in the community page.

Where to find CT

The CT department is located on Level 2, at the Outpatient end of the hospital.

CUH Directions - Mobile app

Outpatients appointments: Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 20:00hrs, and Saturday 09:00-17:00hrs

Emergency hours: 24-hour service from Monday to Sunday, including Bank Holidays.

Nearest bus stop

Outpatient Bus Stop or main Addenbrooke's bus station

Nearest car park

Car park 1

Contact CT

All enquiries and appointments: 01223 217426 / 01223 245151

By post CT Department - Box 101, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ

CT

Imaging (Radiology)