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Having a CT scan of your bowel (easy read)

A person with an illustration of intestines over their abdomen.

This page gives you information about having a CT scan of your bowel, this is called a CT colonoscopy. A CT colonoscopy uses the CT scanner to take pictures of your bowel.

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A speech bubble containing a question mark.

If you don’t think you should be having this scan, please contact the CT Department.

If you have any questions about having a CT scan, please call us on the number on your appointment letter.

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An older woman in a blue sweater holding a bottle of bowel prep solution and looking at it.

Before your scan
Your bowel needs to be empty of poo for your scan.

The day before your scan you will take medicines to clear your bowel called laxatives.

You will have to drink a special liquid with your meals the day before your scan.

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Hands holding a blue pill organiser and three pills.

Before your scan

You should take your usual medication unless you are told not to.

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Woman sitting on a hospital bed wearing a gown.

When you arrive

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown

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Two men, one in a white shirt and one in a blue fleece jacket, having a friendly conversation.

During your appointment

The radiographer will explain what will happen and answer your questions.

You need to tell them if you have had problems getting your bowel empty of poo.

You will be asked to fill in a safety form.

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Close-up of a patient’s hand with an intravenous cannula inserted and secured with a clear dressing. A healthcare professional wearing blue gloves is holding a syringe and connecting it to the cannula port.

During your appointment

You might have a thin tube called a cannula put in a vein in your arm.

You might be given some dye called contrast medium through the cannula.

The dye might make you feel warm all over and make your mouth taste of metal.

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A man in a blue hospital gown lying on a medical bed with a monitor behind him.

During the scan

You will be asked to lie on the bed on your left side.

A tube will be put into your bottom.

You might have a medicine injected to help relax your muscles.

Some gas will go into your bowel through the tube, this might make you feel like you are a bit bloated in your tummy.

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Patient lying on a CT scanner table with two medical professionals standing nearby.

You will be scanned on your back and on your front or side, each one will take about 10 to 20 seconds.

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Elderly person in grey shirt holding abdomen in discomfort.

Are there any risks?

CT colonoscopy is a safe test and people hardly ever have problems. Some things that may happen are:

Uncomfortable tummy

Feeling a bit faint.

Feeling warm or a little sick after having dye called contrast medium or being allergic to it.

Damage inside the bowel which is very rare.

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Two men standing in front of an MRI scanner, one in a blue sweater and the other in a white medical uniform holding a clipboard.

The health staff are trained to help if there are any problems and the risks to you are very small.

Please tell health staff if you have had a reaction before when you have had the dye called contrast medium injected into your veins.

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Smiling person sitting in a wheelchair, wearing a bright red outfit and glasses, holding a glass of water. Next to the glass are a mug of tea and a digestive biscuit, suggesting a drink break with fluids and a snack.

After your scan

You will be given a cup of tea or coffee and some biscuits.

You can eat and drink normally.

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Healthcare staff member in uniform holding papers, standing beside a large notebook labelled “Report”.

The radiologist will look at your scan and write a report for your doctor.

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Woman raising her arm with a speech bubble containing a question mark.

Ask 3 questions

If you are asked to make a choice about your health, you may have lots of questions you want to ask.

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Four people having a conversation with speech bubbles overhead.

You might want to talk to other people about your choices.

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Man in a red sweatshirt writing notes at a table with a pen and paper.

It can help if you make a list of your questions and take it with you to your appointment.

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Two men shaking hands with a speech bubble above them.

To begin with try to make sure you get the answers to these 3 questions, if you are asked to make a choice about your healthcare:


What are my choices?


What are the good things and not so good things about each choice?


How do I get help so I can make a choice that is right for me?

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Smartphone with a download icon next to a PDF document.

Download the leaflet

Having a CT scan of your bowel

Review due: June 2029