Does a CT scan hurt?

No, a CT scan is not painful. It is a noninvasive test, which means nothing goes into your body to take the pictures. During the scan you lie very still on a table, and the table passes slowly through the center of a large machine shaped like a donut. You may hear whirring sounds as the machine works. You may also be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds at a time, so the pictures do not blur.

The one part some people find a bit uncomfortable is simply lying still. That is more true if the scan takes a while, or if holding one position is hard for you. Most CT scanners only surround part of your body at a time, so people are unlikely to feel closed in.

If you are getting a contrast dye for your scan, the injection may involve a brief pinch, but that is separate from the scan itself. If you are worried about pain or discomfort, especially if you have trouble lying still, tell the technologist beforehand. They may be able to make you more comfortable.