How Long Does A Cat Scan Take (And Why)?

Exact Answer: Up to 30 minutes

The CAT scan would take around 20 to 30 minutes. The scan time would depend on the part of the person that is supposed to be scanned. Sometimes, the CAT scan can get over in just 15 to 20 minutes. The use of contrast dye is used for doing the CAT scan.

Most of the time, the CAT scan would not cause any type of pain, but some people may experience mild discomfort. If the person would be able to hold the position perfectly, then the CAT scan may not take more than 30 minutes. A special device would hold the head of the person to prevent movement during the scanning process.

How Long Does A CAT Scan Take?

Many people would not be able to hold the position for a long time as they may find it uncomfortable. This would increase the time of the CAT scan. The doctor would be able to see the internal view of the person’s body with the help of a CAT scan. Many people do CT scans for serious diseases such as cancer.

Sometimes, the CAT scan may be done for knowing the condition of bone fractures. People with tumors may have to get a CAT scan done for knowing their growth and severity. If the doctor expects internal bleeding inside the body of the person, then the doctor may have to do a CAT scan.

CAT scans are less expensive as compared to MRIs, and therefore people choose CAT scan more often. The CAT scan can be very time taking for some people who have many parts that are supposed to be covered. Some people may see side effects such as rash and nausea due to the contrast dye used in the procedure.

Breathing issues can also happen to people who do the CAT scan. The doctor may give some medications for reducing the side effects of contrast dye. If anybody observes the facial swelling or inflammation is not going after a few days, then the person should inform the doctor immediately.

Why Does A CAT Scan Take This Long?

There are many steps that get involved in the CAT scan. All these steps would take some time depending on how the person’s body reacts to the scanning process. People who are doing the CAT scan for diagnosis of some diseases may not see any issues with the CAT scan.

In some people, the CAT scan be a big problem that can host many other allergic reactions. Nobody should skip doing treatment of the side effects of a CAT scan. Some people may see low blood pressure after the contrast dye is used.

People with kidney issues would see more kidney problems after the contrast dye is used in the CAT scan, but this is very rare. The CT scan involves no cutting of muscles or skin tissues. People who are obese may not fit properly in the CAT scanner and this may increase the scanning time.

People who are sensitive to iodine or seafood should inform the doctor about it before the procedure starts. Breastfeeding and pregnant women should not do this CAT scan without informing their condition to the doctor. In the CAT scan procedure, many X-ray images are taken from all the angles possible.

In a CAT scan, the image of skin tissues or blood vessels is also taken to know the condition of the body in a better way. The results of the CAT scan would come in a day or 24 hours. Everyone should avoid eating 2.5 or 3 hours before the CAT scan procedure begins.

Conclusion

The CAT scan would take around 30 minutes or more depending on the parts to be covered. The person needs to inform the professional or expert about any skin allergies they have. People with severe health issues should inform about their condition to the doctor.

The CAT scan would be quite expensive and people should be prepared for it. If any person shows any side effects after the CAT scan, then the person should inform the doctor. People with good body weight would take a shorter time than people who are overweight.

References

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/0025322794001299
2. https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/47/6/929/4694876