Visitors are permitted at Austin Health sites with some restrictions. Find out more about our visitor restrictions.
X-ray, MRI & ultrasound scans
Different types of scan have different requirements. If you need to do anything to prepare for your scan, we'll let you know in your appointment letter.
The CT scanner looks like a big doughnut ring. You lie on a couch which slides into the centre of the ring until the part of the body to be scanned is within the ring. The X-ray machine within the ring rotates around your body taking multiple pictures.
The scan is painless. You cannot see or feel x-rays.
If you move during the scan it could make the images blurry. We will ask you to stay as still as possible, to ensure we get the best picture possible.
A CT scan takes about 10 minutes. You could be in the department longer if you need special preparation or if we need to see emergency patients. We will keep you informed of any delays.
The doctor who referred you for the scan will give you your results.
When you come to hospital for your appointment, you need to bring:
What to leave at home: