Feeling Nervous About Your CT or PET/CT Scan? You’re Not Alone
If you feel anxious before a CT or PET/CT scan, you’re in good company. Many patients worry about things like:
- “Will I feel claustrophobic?”
- “How long will I be in the scanner?”
- “Is it going to hurt?”
At Bluegrass Regional Imaging, we see this every day—and we build extra time into our schedule to walk you through the process, answer questions, and help you feel as calm as possible before your exam.
What Scan Day Looks Like at Bluegrass Regional Imaging
Every exam is a little different, but here’s what most patients can expect when they arrive:
Check-in and paperwork
You’ll check in at the front desk and complete any needed forms. If your exam requires contrast, we may ask a few questions about allergies, kidney function, or other health conditions.
Meeting your technologist
One of our technologists will bring you back, review your exam with you, and answer questions. This is a great time to mention if you:
- Have a history of anxiety or claustrophobia
- Have trouble lying flat
- Are worried about contrast dye
We want to know these things so we can support you.
Changing clothes (sometimes)
For some CT and PET/CT exams, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove metal objects like jewelry, underwire bras, belts, or watches. This helps us get the clearest images possible.
What the CT Scanner Is Really Like
A CT scanner is a large, donut-shaped machine—not a tunnel. Most patients find it less confining than they expect.
During your CT exam:
- You’ll lie on a table that moves slowly through the opening.
- The scan itself is usually very quick, often just a few minutes of actual imaging time.
- You may hear soft whirring noises, but the exam is painless.
- Your technologist can see and hear you the entire time and can talk to you through an intercom.
If your exam includes contrast, you may feel a brief warm sensation or a metallic taste. This is normal and passes quickly, but you can always tell us if anything feels unusual.
What to Expect During a PET/CT Scan
PET/CT takes longer than a standard CT, but much of the time is spent relaxing, not inside the scanner.
A typical PET/CT visit includes:
-
Injection and rest period
You’ll receive a small injection of a radioactive tracer. Then you’ll rest quietly for a period of time (often 30–60 minutes) while the tracer moves through your body. -
The scan itself
The PET/CT scanner looks similar to a CT scanner. The table moves slowly through the opening while we take images. This part can take longer than a standard CT, but it is still painless and our technologist can see and hear you the entire time. -
After your exam
Most patients can go back to normal activities shortly after, depending on their doctor’s instructions.
Tips to Manage Anxiety Before Your Scan
Here are a few things that can help if you tend to feel nervous:
- Tell us you’re anxious. You don’t have to hide it. Our team is used to helping patients who feel this way.
- Ask questions. Knowing what to expect often makes the experience feel more manageable.
- Practice slow breathing. Inhale slowly through your nose for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 6–8. You can do this in the waiting room and during the scan.
- Bring a support person. If appropriate and allowed, having a friend or family member come with you can be reassuring (they’ll typically wait outside the scan room).
- Plan something small and positive after. A favorite drink, a short walk, or lunch with a friend can give you something to look forward to once the exam is done.
How an Independent Imaging Center Can Feel Different
Because Bluegrass Regional Imaging is an independent outpatient imaging center (not a hospital), many patients tell us the environment feels:
- Quieter
- Less rushed
- More personal
We focus solely on imaging, so our team is used to walking patients through the experience from start to finish—especially those who are anxious or coming in for the first time.
When to Talk to Your Doctor
If your anxiety is severe—or if you’re worried you may not be able to complete a scan—let your referring provider know ahead of time. They may be able to:
- Adjust your exam
- Prescribe medication to help you relax
- Coordinate timing based on your needs
You can also call our office to ask what to expect for your specific exam so there are fewer surprises on scan day.
Have Questions About an Upcoming CT or PET/CT?
If you have an upcoming appointment at Bluegrass Regional Imaging and feel nervous, you’re not alone. Our team is here to help you feel as informed and comfortable as possible throughout the process.
You can always contact our office with questions about scheduling, prep instructions, or what to expect when you arrive.
Disclaimer
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always talk with your healthcare provider about your specific situation, symptoms, or concerns. Exams, services, or other items mentioned in this post may or may not be performed at Bluegrass Regional Imaging (BRI).
