Is it normal for a brain and neck CTA to take over 20 minutes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had a CTA of the brain and neck. I was laying down under the CT scanner itself for more than 20 minutes. Is that normal? I am also attaching my reports. Should I be worried?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

The duration of a contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the head and neck can vary depending on several factors, including the specific protocols used by the imaging center, the patient's individual characteristics, and the expertise of the imaging technologist performing the procedure. Generally, the entire procedure may take approximately 30 to 40 minutes to complete, including the time needed for preparation and the actual imaging scan. The radiation starts once the actual scan starts which just takes a few minutes from start to finish. The rest of the time is just preparation time and setting up the imaging protocols. The scanner at this point is not scanning and therefore not emitting X-rays. The patient is just lying in the scanner and the technologist is readying the machine for the actual scan to start. So, I suggest you do not worry.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

The entire process for computed tomography angiography comprises multiple steps as follows:

1) Patient preparation, setting up the machine for a particular type of exam, setting up the protocol, etc. No radiation exposure occurs during this stage.

2) Exposure stage where the actual scan happens and images are taken. It takes about five to six minutes to complete.

3) Recovery stage where there is no exposure. The patient is taken out of the scanner.

So, the actual scan time is just five to six minutes. So do not worry.

I hope this has helped you.

Thanks and regards.