by Rachel Franklin
Child Life Specialist

Tips and Tricks for a Successful CT scan 

You might have recently heard your physician talking about a "CT" or "CAT" scan. A CT scan, also known as a Computerized Axial Tomography scan, is often a quick and very useful way to achieve detailed images of bones, muscles, organs, arteries and blood vessels. CT scans can result in more detailed images than X-Rays and can help your physician diagnose cause of illness symptoms or serve as a good check-up 

following accidents or injuries. CT scans result in many images from multiple angles (front to back and side to side) and perspectives while only requiring a very short amount of time. We want to assist you in having a successful experience with us! Below are a few tips to get you started:

Utilize your "CT Teammates" and partner with our staff for success: After checking in with our front desk staff, you will be greeted by one of our CT technicians. Our technicians and child life specialists are welcoming staff who can help you and your child feel informed about and comfortable with the scanning equipment and process. When you meet us, this is a great time to start asking any questions you or your child might have about the equipment, timing, experiences and sensations associated with your upcoming CT scan, and the overall process. This is also a great time to share information with us about what we might be able to do to help your child feel more comfortable and ready to begin the scans.

First impressions speak volumes: From birth and throughout development, we know that children look for cues from caregivers to help them understand how they should perceive and experience things around them. Together we have great potential to help your child have a positive perception of his or her Radiology experience. 

We're here for you! A very important part of our role as staff committed to family-centered care includes our desire to help your child and accompanying family members through your CT experience. Ask questions. Share your ideas and insight. We want you to be a true part of our team. We are excited to work with you!

In tomorrow's post, I'll give some pointers on how to make your child as comfortable as possible while having a CT scan.