A CT scan is an imaging test that creates pictures of the inside the body. A liquid called contrast (taken by mouth or given through an intravenous [IV] line) helps highlight certain areas. Here's what to expect after the test.

• If your child was sedated (given medicine to relax and feel sleepy) for the test, follow your health care provider's instructions for when your child can eat and drink and go back to regular activities.
• If your child wasn't sedated, they can start eating and drinking and go back to regular activities as soon as they feel ready.
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids to help the body get rid of the contrast.
• Follow your health care provider's instructions for:
  • how to get the test results 
  • scheduling any follow-up visits

Your child had an IV and gets redness, tenderness, or warmth where the IV was.

Your child has:

• signs of an allergic reaction to the contrast, such as a rash, itchy skin, or hives (raised welts on the skin)
• nausea/vomiting
• trouble swallowing, talking, or breathing

How does a CT scan work? A computed tomography scan (CT scan) — also called computed axial tomography scan (CAT scan) — uses computers and a rotating X-ray machine to create pictures of the inside of the body. The pictures are more detailed than regular X-ray pictures.

Are there any risks from a CT scan? Kids who get a CT scan are exposed to a small amount of radiation. Although radiation has been linked to a higher risk of cancer, the risk from one CT scan is very small. Health care providers only order CT scans when they're absolutely needed.

What are the risks of contrast? Most people don't have any problem with getting contrast. Rarely, someone can have an allergic reaction. If a reaction happens, it usually happens shortly after getting the contrast. Very rarely, it can happen hours or days later.