how long does a ct scan take

A CT scan typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes in total, depending on the part of the body being scanned and whether contrast dye is used. The actual scanning portion usually lasts only a few minutes, often less than five, with the rest of the time spent on preparation and post-scan procedures. For example, a head or brain CT takes about 10–15 minutes, a chest CT about 15–20 minutes, and an abdominal or pelvic CT about 20–30 minutes. If contrast dye is needed, it may add an additional 10–15 minutes for preparation and monitoring.