Whether you’ve received a referral for a CT scan or are exploring your options on your own, we’re here to help you understand what comes next. This page covers everything you need to know about a CT scan— from how to prepare beforehand, to what to expect during the exam, and how to proceed afterward.
What is a CT (Cat scan)?
A CT scan uses x-rays and computer technology to take pictures inside your body. It provides more detail than a standard x-ray and can show organs, blood vessels, bones, and tissues.
Some CT scans use contrast (dye) to help highlight specific areas. The dye may be swallowed, injected, or both.
Before Your Appointment
SCHEDULING YOUR EXAM
There are several easy ways to schedule your exam, choose the option that works best for you.
1. Schedule Online
If you're a Weill Cornell Medicine (WCM) patient and an imaging exam has been ordered for you, you will receive a link to schedule online.
2. Request Online
Not a WCM patient? Request an appointment to schedule by securely uploading your prescription.
3. Call Us Directly
Call 212-746-6000.
Mon-Fri: 8AM to 7PM ET
Sat-Sun: 9AM to 5PM ET
Our Locations that Offer CT Scans
- David H. Koch Center (Upper East Side)
- Starr Pavillion (Upper East Side)
- Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center (Midtown East)
- The Spiral at Hudson Yards
- Upper West Side
- Lower Manhattan
- Long Island City
Complete Your Exam Forms Easily
Log into Weill Cornell Connect, to complete your safety forms ahead of time using eCheck-In. It’s quick and helps save you time on the day of your appointment.
Don’t have an account? Join today!
Preparing for Your Exam
When scheduling and checking in for your appointment, please let our staff know if any of the following apply:
- You may be pregnant.
- You have an allergy to contrast dye.
- You have kidney disease (especially if on dialysis).
- You are diabetic.
- You need an interpreter in your language.
If you are having a Cardiac CTA (Computed Tomography Angiography of your heart), review the exam preparations by following the link below.
FAQ
During Your Appointment
How is a CT Performed?
- You will lie still on a CT table that slides into a large, circular opening of the scanning machine
- As the scan begins, you may hear humming sounds while the images are being captured
- Your technologist will be able to see and communicate with you throughout the entire process to ensure you're comfortable
- At certain points during the scan, you may be asked to hold your breath briefly to help capture clear images
After the Scan is Completed
The technologist will escort you to your locker to collect your belongings. Our staff will assist you with check-out and help answer any questions you may have.
After Your Appointment
Aftercare
- If you received IV or oral contrast during your exam, you will be instructed to drink 10 glasses of fluids within 24 hours to help flush the contrast out of your system.
- You may resume all regular activity unless otherwise directed by your physician.
- While uncommon, if you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, please contact us at 646-962-7057.
Imaging Review
Once the technologist has taken your images, a radiologist will review the images and write a detailed report. Our radiologists specialize in imaging for specific areas of the body, ensuring you receive the highest-quality, expert interpretation every time.
Our specialties include:
- Abdominal
- Breast
- Cardiothoracic (Heart and Chest)
- Molecular
- Musculoskeletal
- Neuroradiology (Brain, Head, Neck and Spine)
- Pediatrics
Receiving Your Results
Your report will be automatically shared with you and your referring provider within 24-48 hours. You can view your images and reports through Connect. Use this guide to get started.
Sharing Your Results
All imaging exams performed at Weill Cornell Imaging will be available to you in Connect. If you'd like to keep other members of your care team informed, you can easily share your results with any additional providers.
For other medical records requests, visit our Medical Records page.
Understanding Your Results
Please contact your referring provider to discuss your results. They will help explain your imaging report and answer any questions you may have.
If you or your provider have additional questions, our Reading Room Coordinators (RRC) will help connect you with a radiologist.
For more information or to contact an RRC, visit this link.