How Long Does a CT Scan of the Abdomen Take?
Written by: ViaScan Editorial Team
Medical Advisor: John Duncan, Ph.D. Director of Operations at: VIASCAN
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this article does not create a doctor–patient relationship with ViaScan. Always consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, symptoms, or treatment. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Doctors use different kinds of diagnostic imaging tests to identify and diagnose illnesses. CT scans identify disorders that are difficult to read during physical examinations. CT scans are non-invasive. So, they are among the most used diagnostic imaging tests. Your abdomen holds many vital organs including the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, bladder, and kidneys. If you have symptoms, your doctor may recommend a CT scan. It may indicate a problem with your organs or tissue. An abdominal CT scan is usually quick, with the actual imaging taking only a few minutes. However, preparation and the use of oral contrast may increase the time you spend at the imaging center. You will need to remain still during the scan because movement can blur the images and reduce their quality. [1]
What Is the Purpose of an Abdominal CT Scan?
A CT scan produces detailed pictures of the body’s internal organs, tissues, and blood vessels. CT scan images can be processed and viewed in various planes, including 3D. This is unlike typical X-rays. This facilitates clinicians’ ability to identify possible issues. An abdominal CT scan also helps doctors guide biopsies and other procedures in the abdomen, plan and monitor cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, and plan surgery and check its results. [1].
How long do CT scan results take?
The findings of your CT scan are typically available 24 to 48 hours after the scan. A radiologist will review your scan. They specialize in reading CT scans and other radiologic tests. They will also write a report that explains the results. In emergencies, such as at a hospital or ER, findings are frequently sent to medical staff within an hour. You will be contacted or scheduled for another visit when a radiologist and your healthcare provider have reviewed the results. You and your healthcare practitioner will talk about the findings.
Why Would Someone Require an Abdominal CT Scan?
Doctors most often order an abdominal CT scan to find the cause of belly or pelvic pain, nausea or vomiting, and to check the internal organs for infection, inflammation, injury or cancer. If you have sudden, severe symptoms, go to an emergency department rather than waiting for a scheduled scan. [1].
An abdominal CT scan can help detect:
- Appendicitis
- Internal organ cancer
- Crohn’s disease
- Internal organ injuries
- Kidney and bladder stones
- Pancreatitis
How long does it take to read a CT scan?
The time a radiologist takes to interpret an abdominal CT scan depends on the complexity of the examination, the findings, and whether previous scans need to be compared. For a routine scan, the reading itself may take a radiologist only a few minutes, while complex scans or comparisons with earlier scans can take longer. After reviewing the images, the radiologist prepares a report and sends it to the doctor who requested the scan. The time needed to complete this process varies between imaging centers. [1]
How long to get results from CT scan with contrast?
To improve soft tissue visibility, you may need a contrast agent, depending on the scan area. If your doctor orders imaging with and without contrast, a CT with contrast often takes longer than the non-contrast version. The benefit is that a better picture can help your doctor diagnose you more accurately. If you received IV contrast, follow the imaging staff’s instructions about drinking fluids after your scan. Your body generally eliminates the contrast material through your kidneys and urine. Using contrast doesn’t usually change how quickly the report is ready; ask your imaging center when to expect your results.
Conclusion
An abdominal CT scan is generally quick and painless, although the total appointment time depends on the preparation required and whether contrast material is used. Also, your doctor could use an IV to give you contrast dye. It would help them see your abdomen more clearly and find any issues. At ViaScan of Las Colinas, a radiologist reviews your CT images and prepares a report for you and your referring doctor. Your doctor can discuss the findings with you and explain any recommended next steps.
References:
[1] RadiologyInfo (Radiological Society of North America and American College of Radiology) — Abdominal and Pelvic CT.https://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info/abdominct
