Computed Tomography (CT) is a diagnostic procedure that uses special X-ray equipment to create cross-sectional pictures of your body. CT images are produced using X-ray technology and powerful computers.
The uses of CT Scan include looking for:
* Broken bones
* Cancers
* Blood clots
* Signs of heart disease
* Internal bleeding
During a CT Scan, you lie still on a table. The table slowly passes through the center of a large X-ray machine. The test is painless. During some tests you receive a contrast dye, which makes parts of your body show up better in the image. Preparation
You cannot eat 12 hours before the test. You will have an IV inserted if you are to receive contrast dye. You may be asked to drink a contrast solution. Some of them can taste pretty bad so be prepared. When the machine injects the contrast through the IV you may become nauseous. Considerations
Keep in mind that a CT Scan is a powerful x-ray. Although it has not been proven, having many CT Scans may not be a good idea. X-rays use radiation. Source:
http://medlineplus.gov/ | 
