What is a CT Scan?

What Are the Uses of a CT Scan?

Procedure

Preparation

After the Exam

What is a CT Scan?

Computer Tomography uses X-ray technology, and it is distinguished from other imaging tools like traditional X-rays and MRIs by its ability to display a combination of soft tissue (like muscles, tissue, organs and fat), bones and blood vessels all in a single body tissues and organs image. 

The machine we use is the Aquilion and can acquire more of those anatomical slices than any other system by usage of multi-slice imaging. In fact, the Aquilion is so fast that it can rotate around patient’s body in only half a second.  At that speed, this CT creates a gravitational force of 13 G’s – four times the force of the Space Shuttle during lift off.  But the only sensation the patient experiences is the ticking of the machine.

The CT is quick enough to capture images of the body’s rapidly moving organs like the heart and lungs, which appear blurry when scanned by traditional CT's. Multi-slice imaging also is especially useful for examining patients who are unable to hold their breath, like trauma victims, acutely ill patients and young children. 

What do you use it for?

• Diagnosing tumors and cancers -the CT scan provides the very precise location, measurement and confirmation of a tumor.
• Bone Densitometry exams -gives the condition of bones for diagnosing osteoporosis
• Planning and properly administering radiation therapy for tumors, to guild biopsies, and to plan surgeries
• Determining whether the treatment is taking effect on the cancer
• In trauma cases, they can reveal internal injuries and bleeding quickly enough to save lives

Very fine soft-tissue details in areas such as the knee or shoulder can be more readily and clearly seen with the MRI.

Procedure:

During a CT exam, a patient lies on a table and is slowly moved into the large donut-shaped opening of the scanner. The patient will be inside the room alone, but the technician can see, hear, and speak with the patient at all times. Once inside, a series of X-ray beams create hundreds of cross-sectional pictures that represent slices of the patient’s body.  Seconds later, the system’s computer assembles the slices into three-dimensional images that are interpreted by a radiologist.

Some people have reported minor sensations like a metallic taste in the back of their mouths or a slight itch. All sensations go away within a minute or two. No pain at all is experienced and due to the modern equipment used, and there is no necessity to lie still for a long time.

You should take any medication you would normally take as directed by your doctor. Please let your technologist know what medications you are currently taking

Sometimes, contrast studies need to be injected or ingested depending on the study your doctor prescribes.

Preparation:

Always inform the technician/radiologist if you are pregnant, suspect you may be pregnant, have a history of diabetes, asthma, a heart condition, kidney or thyroid conditions. 

A CT examination often requires the use of contrast to enhance the visibility of certain tissues or blood vessels. It acts as a highlight for certain areas of the body needed to be inspected carefully.  The contrast material may be injected through an IV directly into the blood stream, swallowed, or administered by enema, depending on the type of examination.

You may but not necessarily be asked not to eat or drink anything for one or more hours before the exam.

After the Exam

All normal activities may resume. See or call your doctor 3-5 days after the exam for results.