Computerised tomography (CT) scan
The CT scan is a special type of x-ray, which gives a three-dimensional picture of the organs and other structures (including any tumours) in your body.
It usually takes about 30-40 minutes to complete this painless test. To ensure that the pictures taken by the scanner are clear, you may drink or have injected a dye or ‘contrast fluid’. This will mean that you do not eat or drink for about four hours before the scan. The dye injection can cause a burning sensation.
You will be asked to lie flat on a table while the CT scanner, which is large and round like a doughnut, rotates around you. Most people are able to go home as soon as their scan is over.
